Hosting a population of more than 40,000 black bears, California has one of the nation’s largest and densest populations of “America’s bear. “
To protect them the state has begun implementing an updated plan to ensure they survive and thrive.
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) the general purpose of the plan is to:
- To conserve and manage black bear populations that are ecologically functional, disease-resilient, genetically diverse statewide and regionally, and conserve and enhance their habitats; and
- To provide opportunities for black bear hunting, viewing, and public education; minimize human-black bear conflict; consider animal welfare in black bear conservation and management; and be inclusive of all Californians in black bear conservation and management decisions
Human-black bear conflict is of particular concern. Bears may number 1million in North America although estimates vary. About 300,000 are thought to be in the United States. Weighing in around 300 pounds they are roughly half the size of Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horibilis). As the name implies grizzly bears are more aggressive although both can be dangerous. Both bears are omnivores eating nuts, berries, insects, carrion and some animals including fish.
Presence of human food and food waste is drawing black bears into semi urban areas nationwide. This is leading to increased conflict. Solving conflict is a major part of the plan.
Worldwide bears are doing fairly well. Brown bears are widely distributed in Alaska, Canada and Eurasia. Grizzly bears are a subspecies of brown bears. About 1,500 live in the United States. There are efforts ongoing to reintroduce them into California and other parts of their former range.