Found in the North Coast Ranges, Cascades, Sierra Nevada, parts of the South Coast Ranges, and in the San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mts. Occurs in fairly dense, mature stands of many forest habitats, and feeds in a variety of habitats including brushy stands of forest, valley foothill riparian, and wet meadow.
Black bears are omnivorous.
They feed largely on grasses and forbs, fruits, nuts, insects, and carrion. Also consume human refuse. They forage on the ground, and as high as they can reach in shrubs and trees. These habitat elements must be in mature, dense vegetation, and on sheltered slopes for adequate denning. Young born in winter dens in hollow bases of trees, snags or stumps, in hollow logs, rock caves, or in holes dug in ground.