Black Bear walking through our Whitewater Preserve’s meadow in the Coachella Valley

Black Bear walking through our the Whitewater Preserve’s meadow in the Coachella Valley! By Whitewater Preserve field camera.

Black bears range throughout North American forests and are California’s only bear species.

These bears are seen at our preserve from June-November when they wander down from the mountains to feast on Holly-leaf cherry, wild grape and mesquite. Unlike Grizzly bears, Black bears are smaller, tend to be less aggressive, and have shorter claws, allowing them to be good climbers! Black bears are predominantly nocturnal mammals, making it unlikely that you will encounter one during the day.

If you do happen to encounter a black bear, do not run, make yourself as big as possible and make noise. Like all wild animals black bears are afraid of humans and do not intend to cause harm.

Listen close to hear the bear investigating our camera!