A black bear looks to the camera while wandering the forest in Big Bear Lake, CA.

Bears in Big Bear? Wildlife Safety for People & Pets

Posted: 12/26/23

Nature has a way of putting things in perspective. We've heard it before that getting outdoors is medicine for the mind, body, and soul. However, it's important to remember that Big Bear is home to many wildlife species and we share our wilderness with them.

During your stay in Big Bear - in town or on the trails - you're likely to spot critters like squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits who pose little threat and are quick to scamper off at the sight of us humans. Rarely, you may spot larger wildlife like bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes who are equally averse to humans but can pose a real danger if threatened or afraid.

Wildlife Safety Tips in Wilderness Areas:

Do Not Feed Wild Animals (it's when animals stop fearing humans that dangerous accidents occur)
Do Not Approach Wild Animals (or allow children to chase creatures like rabbits and birds)
Do Not Leave Children and Pets Unattended
Do Not Hike/Bike/Camp Alone (especially at night)
Be Aware Of Your Surroundings At All Times
Know Where You're Hiking/Camping and Let Others Know Where You Are

Bears in Big Bear

While Big Bear was named after its healthy population of Grizzly Bears in 1845, the last of its species was eradicated from the area long ago. Today, any bear you encounter in Big Bear will be a black bear. Black bears tend to avoid humans and it's rare that you should encounter one at all. Just in case you do, follow these guidelines.

Safety Tips for Bear Sightings

Remain calm, Do Not Run!
Pick up small children and pets and group together everyone with you
Back away while facing the bear
If the bear approaches you, make yourself appear large and make noise
Carry bear spray and know how to use it
Bears are naturally curious and always hungry. When camping, keep your site clean and to dispose of trash properly. NEVER store food or other attractants in or near your tent. Secure these items either in food lockers or away from the immediate site area.

Rattlesnakes in Big Bear

As winter gives way to spring and the warm summer months, rattlesnakes make their way out of hibernation in Big Bear. Understand that rattlesnakes - like black bears - are not naturally aggressive and don't seek out humans to attack. Most snake bites occur when the snake is handled, threatened, or stepped on. Rattlers like to hide out under logs and rocks, so be aware of your surroundings when stepping over these obstacles.

Safety Tips for Snake Sightings

If you spot a rattlesnake, leave the area immediately
Be mindful when stepping over logs, rocks, and bushes
Be cautious of areas around porches and patios
Stay on the trails and designated routes
Always keep control of pets and do not let them chase snakes or stick their nose in holes

Most bites occur between the months of April and October when snakes and humans are most active outdoors. About 25 percent of bites are “dry,” meaning no venom is injected, but the bite still requires medical treatment. Depending on weather and threatening conditions such wildfires; rattlesnakes may roam at any time of the day or night. If walking at night, be sure to use a flashlight. US Forest Service

Mountain Lions in Big Bear

Like bears and snakes, mountain lions tend to avoid humans, but even at a distance, a mountain lion - or cougar - sighting should be taken seriously. If the cougar hasn't spotted you, leave the area immediately. Never attract the attention of a mountain lion or approach one - especially kittens as the protective mother is nearby!

Safety Tips for Mountain Lion Sightings

Do not run
Back away facing the animal and try to make yourself look large
If the animal approaches you, make noise, throw sticks or rocks
If the animal attacks, fight back
Never leave children or pets unattended in the wilderness

Coyotes in Big Bear

Coyotes are Big Bear's most abundant larger animals. While coyotes pose little threat to humans and mainly feast on squirrels and rabbits, cats and small dogs make an easy meal for Big Bear coyotes. Coyotes are visible often during the day but do most of their roaming early in the morning and at night.

Safety Tips for Coyote Sightings

Never feed coyotes.
Never leave pets unattended outdoors, even in a fenced yard.
Keep dogs on a leash outside and don't let them chase coyotes.
Don't run or turn your back on a coyote.
Do not allow a coyote to get in between you and your pet/child
Make noise and make yourself look larger if you have a close encounter with a coyote.

A brown and gray burro stands in a mountain landscape. Yellow flowers are seen in the foreground.

Burros in Big Bear

If you're staying in the Moonridge, Erwin Lake, or Baldwin Lake neighborhoods, you may see wild burros grazing in the fields or wandering near highways. Big Bear's burro population dates back to ranching days and today they are an iconic part of our east valley landscape. Please drive slowly and carefully in these areas, especially along roadways like Hwy 38.

Safety Tips for Burro Sightings

Never feed wild burros, as accidental bites can happen
Do not approach wild burros as adult herd members can be protective and aggressive
Be careful driving at night as burros may be present in the road.
Spooked burros can rear and kick, so be mindful driving or walking by them

A stock photo of a brown and grey striped chipmunk standing on a rock. Chipmunks are very common in Big Bear Lake, CA.

Birds & Rodents in Big Bear

Big Bear's most seen wildlife are squirrels, chipmunks, and birds. While these furry, feathery critters are not likely to pose a threat, it's important not to touch, pursue, directly feed, or try to capture them. Wild animals can carry diseases that spread to humans through touching or biting.