CALIFORNIA BLACK BEARS

PHOTOS

Our local mountains are home to the California Black Bear. Even though they are called black bears, their colors can range from black to cinnamon brown, blond to silver-blue and, occasionally, even white. The white black bears are called "Spirit" or "Kermode" bears. Here are some quick facts on the California Black Bear:

• Are typically shy, reclusive and easily frightened.
• Eat mostly berries, nuts, grasses, carrion, and insect larvae.
• Have color vision and a keen sense of smell.
• Are good tree climbers and swimmers.
• Are very intelligent and curious.
• Can run up to 35 miles per hour.
• Females weigh an average of 90 to 350 pounds and up to 500 pounds or more for males.
• Can go without food for up to 7 months during hibernation in northern ranges.
• Give birth to their cubs in late January or early February. Average litter sizes are from 2 to 3 cubs.
• Can live over 25 years in the wild.
• Typically avoid human contact and are not normally aggressive towards people. The only exceptions to this are so called "problem" bears which have access to human food sources and lose their natural fear of humans. This is the reason we should not feed bears or make it easy for them to obtain human food in campgrounds or around our homes.

In addition to the information provided by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on the California Black Bear, keep in mind the following general information when hiking or exploring in the surrounding Los Padres National Forest wilderness:

• While hiking, make noise to avoid a surprise encounter with a bear.
• Always keep your dog on a leash.
• Never leave food and beverages unattended. Carry all refuse and garbage out of the area with you. Use bear-resistant trash receptacles where available.
• Keep backpacks and other personal gear on your person.
• The minimum safe distance from any bear is 50 yards; from a female with young it is 100 yards. There are many times when greater distances are required. Never approach closer to scare the bear away or pick up a cub.
• Be satisfied with a distant photograph, or use a telephoto lens.

For more information on living and staying safe in California Black Bear country, visit the following websites.

Los Padres Forest Watch – California Black Bears
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BearWise - Black Bear – Six At-Home BearWise Basics
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BearWise - Fact Sheets, Checklists, and Posters
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California Fish and Wildlife – California Black Bears
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