American Black Bear

While they aren’t the bear featured on the California state flag, American black bears (Ursus americanus) are the only bear species currently found in California. Lassen is home to an estimated 50 black bears.

Fast Facts:

• Black Bears can have black, gray, cinnamon, and even white fur!
• They enter a state of torpor in winter, not true hibernation.
• Their sense of smell is an estimated seven times stronger than a bloodhound.

Appearance

Despite their name, black bears aren’t always black in color. Their fur can range from gray to blue-gray, black, cinnamon, and even white! Instead of using color to tell the difference between black and brown bears, use their shape. Black bears have a flat back, while grizzle bears (Ursus arctos) have a pronounced hump on their shoulders. Black bears also have small heads with straight-line profiles, rounded ears, and non-retractable claws on their paws. Adult black bears are typically 5-6 feet long and weigh anywhere from 200 to 600 pounds.

Range & Habitat

Black bears live in forest and mountainous areas throughout North America. They have individual home ranges of 15 square miles or more. Black bears don’t migrate, but will move through the landscape with the seasons to rely on different food sources. In spring, they take advantage of early growth areas and wetlands; in summer and fall, black bears hang out near large berry patches.

At Lassen, black bears may be seen throughout the park, but are most often spotted in the southwest area near the entrance station and Emerald Lake, in the Kings Creek area, and in Warner Valley.

Natural History

Black bears are mostly solitary animals, only seeking out other bears during the summer mating season. Females can have one to six cubs at a time, but 2 or 3 are most common. Cubs are born during mid-winter and stay with their mother around 2 years. Black bears reach adulthood at four years and can live up to 30 years in the wild.

Black bears are omnivorous and will eat almost anything. Their diet includes fruit, berries, insects, fish, honeycomb, small prey, and carrion. Black bears may also eat human food and garbage if given the change, which is why we recommend keeping all food and scented items locked away while in bear country. In autumn, black bears eat extensively, building up a layer of fat to last through the winter.

In winter, black bears enter a shallow torpor. In this state, their body temperature decreases and metabolism slows. Unlike true hibernation, torpor allows bears to wake up more suddenly if necessary. In torpor, bears do not need to eat, drink, or expel waste. Black bears may spend up to six months in their winter dens, emerging in early spring.

Stay Safe!

Most bear encounters at Lassen Volcanic end without injury. Although rare, attacks on humans have occurred, inflicting serious injuries and death. If you see a black bear, keep at least 300 feet (100 yards) away – preferably more. If a bear changes its behavior because of your presence, you are too close.

• Binoculars and spotting scopes allow you to view bears without getting too close.

• Use pullouts to observe bears on the roadside. If a bear is a crossing the road in front of you, use your hazard lights to let other drivers know to stop until the bear has passed.

• Make your presence known to avoid bear encounters on trails. Make noise, sing a song, or talk loudly. Be particularly careful near streams and when vegetation or terrain limits visibility.

• Hike in groups of three or more if possible. A bear is more likely to detect the scents and sounds of a larger group.

If possible, report any black bear sightings to a park ranger.