California Black Bear Habitat Information

Hunting black bears in California is exciting and funeven just in open ground. There are many areas
experience. However, due to issues with thethat they will thrive in while others have marginal
population of black bears they limit the harvestsuccess for survival and reproduction. They tend
each year. So it's crucial you know how to findto sometimes use grasslands during the year,
black bears properly to get yours in before thehowever this is sporadic. However, this type of
limit is reached. This article will give you a basicarea won't successfully sustain the population.
idea of their habitat in California and hopefullyThey need sufficient cover, food supply and
improve your chance for success.water to thrive; this is usually in montane
They are known to occupy several differenthardwood, montane chaparral, and mixed conifer
types of habitats. The majority of the black bearforests.
population is densest in the forest areas. TheyThe loss of natural habitats is the leading cause of
favor areas with both vegetation and a structuraldepopulation of wildlife in California. More than 50%
diversity. They tend to also stay near areas withof the suitable habitat for bears is in ownership of
alternate sources of food in case of a shortthe public, with about 10% owned by the park
supply that season. The availability of food is thedistrict. Some ownership allows large blocks to
primary source of reproductive success. So, theirremain as they are to help sustain the population.
natural instructs will keep them near the greatestFurthermore, they typically inhabit rugged lands
source of food to future the population of theirand conversion projections indicate that only 1
species.percent of existing black bear habitat is expected
Black bears have very specific preferences whento be lost each decade (FFRAP 1989).
it comes to mating, lodging and feeding. A femaleAs we can see black bear hunting will be enjoyed
bear will require a secure den that is dry to giveby many hunters for years to come. Hopefully,
birth and raise her cubs. Studies in California haveCalifornia will enacted more laws to designate safe
found that they will choose secure den locations.areas for black bears to grow and thrive. This will
The optimal site would be thermally protectivehelp not only nature itself, but allow hunters to
area associated with large trees; however, theyenjoy the sport of hunting bears.
have been found under large rocks, slash piles and