By
Kelly Vaughn

You’ll find black bears (Ursus americanus) in all of Arizona’s national forests, as well as in some riparian desert areas. They’re the only bear species found in the Grand Canyon State, because Arizona’s last grizzly bear was killed on Eastern Arizona’s Escudilla Mountain in the 1930s. The black bear’s name can be deceiving: Its fur ranges in color from dark blond to deep black, with various shades of brown in between. Males are larger than females, with most black bears weighing between 125 and 400 pounds. Their diet consists primarily of berries, acorns and insects. Should you encounter a black bear in the wild, the Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends trying to alter your route, making loud noises and making yourself appear as large as possible. This bear was photographed on the Mogollon Rim using a camera trap.