Black bears live mainly in higher-elevation woodlands and forests.
Arizona Game and Fish Department: “In Arizona, black bears are primarily found in higher-elevation (4,000-10,000 ft) woodland and forested regions containing a variety of habitats, including subalpine and montane conifer forests, riparian forests, evergreen and oak woodlands, chaparral, and desert scrub.” Source
“Although uncommon, black bear attacks on humans occasionally occur, especially in areas where they come into frequent contact with people and human-related food sources.” Arizona Game and Fish Department
Size
Smokies: males average about 6 ft long, 3 ft at the shoulder and 250 lb in summer; females usually just over 100 lb. Missouri: 46 to 78 inches long, 86 to 600 lb.
How to recognize it
Straight facial profile, rounded erect ears, very short tail
USFWS: in the lower 48, adult males average 400-600 lb and adult females 250-350 lb. NPS: about 3-5 feet at the shoulder; brown bears overall range from 200 to 1,000 lb.
How to recognize it
Distinct shoulder hump, dish-shaped face and long claws
Living with Bears. Arizona Game and Fish Department. archived copy, captured February 18, 2026; checked November 3, 2026.Quoted passages (4)
“In Arizona, black bears are primarily found in higher-elevation (4,000-10,000 ft) woodland and forested regions containing a variety of habitats, including subalpine and montane conifer forests, riparian forests, evergreen and oak woodlands, chaparral, and desert scrub.”
“Although uncommon, black bear attacks on humans occasionally occur, especially in areas where they come into frequent contact with people and human-related food sources.”
“Black bears should always be considered unpredictable and potentially dangerous.”
“Produces 2 to 3 cubs between Dec. and early Feb. and exits the den with them in mid-April to early May”
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