Facts and FAQs

Bear Evolution

Bears (Family Ursidae)belong to the group of mammals called the Carnivora, which also includes cats, dogs, otters, and sea lions. Scientists use information gathered from anatomical studies of modern and fossil species, and by making molecular comparisons to make hypotheses about evolutionary relationships. This "family tree" or phylogeny is based of our best estimate of the relationship of living bears and some of their fossil relatives.

Shared Tracks

Bears and humans both walk "flat-footed," also called pantigrade locomotion. This broad base of support (compared to hoofed animals, for instance), combined with their ability to balance their bodies over their rear legs, gives bears and humans greater stability in an upright position. Although bears usually walk on all four paws, they can walk upright on their hind legs, but do so only for short distances and are slow.

Can a human outrun an adult bear?
No, an adult bear is fast enough to overtake a horse in a brief race.

Why do bears stand upright?
Possibly to intimidate an enemy, or merely to provide himself with a better view from which to survey his surroundings.

Winter Dormancy: it's just a long nap

Bears don't actually hibernate during the winter, but fall into a deep sleep!

While their heart rate and body temperature decreases, it is not to the degree of true hibernation. During this winter dormancy they live off the body fat they accumulated during fall's heavy feasting. On warmer days they may even choose to leave their dens.

True hibernators include marmots, ground squirrels, and some bats.

The California Grizzly: Our State Animal

In the early 19th century, an estimated 10,000 grizzlies inhabited major portions of the state of California. Today there are none! The grizzly's decline began during the Spanish colonial period and escalated throughout the gold rush. Grizzlies were tortured and killed for sport and suffered from habitat loss. By 1922, the state's last grizzly bear had been killed.

The grizzly bear was designated as California's official State Animal in 1953.

Select this text to read an article about "California Bears, Past and Present."

Safety Tips in Bear Country

Respect all bears as potentially dangerous. Do not feed or venture too close to bears.

Always travel in a group and make your presence known. Loud sounds will prevent startling a bear.

Carry all food in bear-proof containers-- pack it in and pack it out. Never leave food unattended on a picnic table. Never store food in a tent.