CALIFORNA - Californians tend not to encounter bears regularly. California is home to only black bears - not the large grizzly ones found up north in Alaska or Russia - who typically shy away from people, though when hungry, they can venture close to homes and campsites for food sources. It is best to use your voice firmly when speaking directly to these bears to let them know you are human and not an easy target for predators. If an approaching bear approaches, use your voice firmly, as this sends a clear message to this animal that you are human versus an easy prey animal! If this bear approaches, use your voice sternly while speaking loudly so it knows you are human and not a prey animal!
Between 25,000 And 35,000 Black Bears Live In California
Between 25,000 and 35,000 black bears live in California today, most concentrated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and roughly 10% located elsewhere across California's central-western and southwestern portions. Unfortunately, recent drought conditions and habitat fragmentation have hurt these bear populations, leading to lower numbers than biologists would like.
Despite these challenges, bears appear to be doing quite well across most parts of California. Northern California boasts the highest concentration of bears, followed by eastern mountains with smaller subpopulations and coastal areas with smaller subpopulations.
Bears are opportunistic omnivores that feed on nearly anything, from insects and rodents to seeds, fruits, nuts, honey, and even trash bins. Bears hibernate for winter in dens made of cavities in tree trunks or hollowed-out root masses; they prefer areas with mixed habitat types and plenty of riparian elements.
If a bear threatens your home or other property, the Department of Fish and Wildlife may issue a "depredation" permit that allows it to be killed. But this rarely happens; most depredation incidents can be avoided by living smartly in bear country, keeping garbage secure, and eliminating attractants on your property.
Robert J. Shuttleworth holds the record for shooting the most giant black bear ever caught when he shot one in Mendocino County in 1993 and scored 23 3/16". Shuttleworth also holds the most points scored by any black bear; unfortunately, most large bears found are often animals that have been harvested or hunted; therefore, it can be difficult to assess an individual bear's actual size without knowing its history; nonetheless, California bears are impressive enough to merit being featured on its state flag!
CALIFORNA - Californians tend not to encounter bears regularly. California is home to only black bears - not the large grizzly ones found up north in Alaska or Russia - who typically shy away from people, though when hungry, they can venture close to homes and campsites for food sources. It is best to use your voice firmly when speaking directly to these bears to let them know you are human and not an easy target for predators. If an approaching bear approaches, use your voice firmly, as this sends a clear message to this animal that you are human versus an easy prey animal! If this bear approaches, use your voice sternly while speaking loudly so it knows you are human and not a prey animal!
Between 25,000 And 35,000 Black Bears Live In California
Between 25,000 and 35,000 black bears live in California today, most concentrated in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and roughly 10% located elsewhere across California's central-western and southwestern portions. Unfortunately, recent drought conditions and habitat fragmentation have hurt these bear populations, leading to lower numbers than biologists would like.
Despite these challenges, bears appear to be doing quite well across most parts of California. Northern California boasts the highest concentration of bears, followed by eastern mountains with smaller subpopulations and coastal areas with smaller subpopulations.
Bears are opportunistic omnivores that feed on nearly anything, from insects and rodents to seeds, fruits, nuts, honey, and even trash bins. Bears hibernate for winter in dens made of cavities in tree trunks or hollowed-out root masses; they prefer areas with mixed habitat types and plenty of riparian elements.
If a bear threatens your home or other property, the Department of Fish and Wildlife may issue a "depredation" permit that allows it to be killed. But this rarely happens; most depredation incidents can be avoided by living smartly in bear country, keeping garbage secure, and eliminating attractants on your property.
Robert J. Shuttleworth holds the record for shooting the most giant black bear ever caught when he shot one in Mendocino County in 1993 and scored 23 3/16". Shuttleworth also holds the most points scored by any black bear; unfortunately, most large bears found are often animals that have been harvested or hunted; therefore, it can be difficult to assess an individual bear's actual size without knowing its history; nonetheless, California bears are impressive enough to merit being featured on its state flag!
