Black Bear

Introduction

CDFW strives to ensure viable black bear (Ursus americanus) populations persist throughout the state where suitable habitat and other environmental conditions allow. Black bears provide many ecosystem services and are an important part of California's unique biodiversity. CDFW's Black Bear Program was established to coordinate scientific research and population monitoring, and to inform big game management, species management, and habitat conservation plans for black bears.

Conservation Plan Update

CDFW has opened public comment on the April 2024 Draft of the Black Bear Conservation Plan for California(opens in new tab) until June 14, 2024. To provide public comment, choose one of the following options:

Conservation

The general wildlife conservation policy of the State is to encourage the conservation and maintenance of wildlife resources under the jurisdiction and influence of the State (Section 1801, Fish and Wildlife Code). The policy encompasses black bear conservation and includes several objectives, such as:

• To provide for the beneficial use and enjoyment of wildlife by all citizens of the State;
• To perpetuate all species of wildlife for their intrinsic and ecological values, as well as for their direct benefits to man;
• To provide for aesthetic, educational, and non-appropriative uses of the various wildlife species;
• To maintain diversified recreational uses of wildlife, including hunting, as proper uses of certain designated species of wildlife, subject to regulations consistent with public safety, and a quality outdoor experience;
• To provide for economic contributions to the citizens of the State through the recognition that wildlife is a renewable resource of the land by which economic return can accrue to the citizens of the State, individually and collectively, through regulated management. Such management shall be consistent with the maintenance of healthy and thriving wildlife resources and the public ownership status of the wildlife resource;
• To alleviate economic losses or public health and safety problems caused by wildlife; and
• To maintain sufficient populations of all species of wildlife and the habitat necessary to achieve the above stated objectives.

Specific to black bears, the Draft Black Bear Conservation Plan for California defines two main goals:

1. To conserve black bear populations that are abundant, disease-resilient, genetically diverse statewide and regionally, and conserve and enhance their habitats; and
2. To provide opportunities for black bear hunting, viewing, and public education; minimize human-black bear conflict; consider animal welfare in black bear conservation; and be inclusive of all Californians in black bear conservation decisions.

Related Information

• Human-Wildlife Conflict Program
• Bear Naked Truth Blog
• Bear Hunting Information
• 1998 Black Bear Management Plan (PDF)
• Black Bear Policy in California: Public Safety, Depredation, Conflict, and Animal Welfare (2022) (PDF)