San Bernadino Mountains: 5 Animals to Know Before You Go
Thinking of hiking the San Bernadino National Forest in southern California? Here are 5 animals that you should know about while planning your outdoor adventure in these majestic mountains.
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The San Bernadino National Forest blankets the mountain range inland of Los Angeles area, just east of the San Gabriel mountains. Higher elevations can reach over 10,000 ft, but there are plenty of hiking trails, watering holes, and ski resorts at lower elevations, making the location great for both beginner and advanced outdoorsy people. The famous ski town of Big Bear is a highly popular location for southern Californians wishing to experience snowy winters. For visitors looking for less crowded towns, Blue Jay, Running Springs, and Lake Arrowhead are great options. No matter which town in the mountains you choose to visit, if you plan on spending time outdoors, here are the 5 animals you should definitely be aware of.
No.1 Black Bear, Ursus americanus
This iconic bear is native to many forested areas across North America, and are even considered to be North America’s most common bear according to the U.S National Park Services. However, they are NOT native to the San Bernadino mountains. Instead, they were purposely introduced into the area in the 1930s when 28 black bears from Yosemite were chosen to be moved to replace the region’s now extinct native bear, the California Grizzly1. Since then, the population has grown to become a common neighbor to many mountain town residents. They are often a distinctive black color with a brown tipped nose, but you may also see them in a cinnamon brown color (actual brown bears are not known to be in the area, so any bear you see if more than likely a black bear).
As an outdoors person, it is important to know black bears don’t exactly view humans as prey. They are omnivores with a preference for things they can easily eat- small mammals, berries, bugs, etc. They are naturally curious animals though, which can present a different set of issues. Their sensitive sense of smell will attract them to you if your campsite smells heavily of food or presents novel smells like scented hygiene products.
How to Share the Space:
Keep an eye out for signs of bears in the area such as mauled logs, claw marks on trees, large five-toed paw prints, and droppings that look like they may be from a large dog. Pack your scented things (food, toothpaste, etc.) in a bear box a safe distance away from where you sleep. Carry a flashlight and bear spray, especially if you are hiking alone or with small pets that may be seen as prey. If one does approach you, make loud noises, wave around your flashlight, and as a last resort use bear spray. If you see one simply off in the distance, just enjoy the rare sighting. Black bears are an icon of North America, and a truly wonderful animal to observe at a safe distance. Read the US National Park Service Page for more helpful tips.
No.2 Western Diamondback, Crotalus atrox
Rattlesnakes are abundant in the deserts of Joshua Tree just northeast of the mountains, but the Western Diamondback rattlesnake is still common enough on the mountain to be notable- especially for warm weather travelers. Their diamond patterned scales, triangular head, and thick bodies that can surpass 6ft in length set them apart from other snakes you may encounter on the mountain.
Simply put, these snakes are defensively aggressive. Western diamondbacks are not known to chase you or go out of their way to show aggression. However, they are ambush predators that will often blend in seamlessly within tight hiding spots, including rock crevasses, bushes, and perhaps the warm hiking boots you left outside your tent last night. Accidently blocking their escape route by covering their hiding spot can elicit an aggressive response. Another way to provoke them is by approaching them too quickly- if they cannot get out of your way in time, the instinct is to defend themselves than risk being grabbed or stepped on. But rattlesnakes also do this wonderful thing to let you know if you’ve made a mistake: they rattle the moment they feel threatened by you.
How to Share the Space:
Wear closed toed shoes and long loose pants in the warmer months. Keep at least one ear available to hear any rattle noises as you walk. Seal any places that can serve as a tight hiding spot for these snakes and shake out any items that cannot be sealed (shoes, etc.). If you encounter a rattlesnake, calmly back away until you see their posture relax, then let them make their cautious escape or give them a wide berth as you slowly walk around them. Keep pets on a leash. Bites are rare, but it is possible to get bitten. Not all bites inject venom, and even when they do, the effects of the venom vary from person to person. The best thing to do is to leave the affected area alone (no torniquet, ice, etc.) and get to the nearest hospital in a timely manner to assess the injury.
No.3 Mule Deer, Odocoileus hemionus
With a fluffy black-tipped tail and the giant mule-like ears for which they are named, the mule deer is a common and welcome sight on the mountain for many residents and tourists alike.
Mule deer are mild mannered for the most part, and can be viewed peacefully from a respectful distance, especially if you are not making too much noise and choose to hike at dawn and dusk. It is still recommended that you know a few things about their behavior for the safest possible viewing on your outdoor adventure. Fall is the breeding season of the mule deer, and consequently, males can become competitive and agitated. They can also be defensive of their young, which you can view at different ages year-round. While the mule deer of the mountain have been known to shift altitudes slightly with the season, they are still present year-round in many of the popular outdoor recreation spots of the mountains.
How to Share the Space:
Mule deer leave plenty of markings to show their presence in an area. Their tracks are nearly identical to that of the white-tailed deer, but white-tailed deer are very rare in southern California. There are also no known moose and very few elk in southern California, making the Mule deer the only common deer species in the area. Game trails and neatly clipped branches from their smooth teeth are also clear signs to look for. If you encounter mule deer, it is usually safe to simply enjoy watching them or walk around them keeping respectful distance. Feeding or chasing them can cause damage not only to their natural behaviors, but also to the hiker who comes along next. Read more about the mule deer of California on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife official website.
No.4 Coyote, Odocoileus hemionus
A historically western species that has adapted to life across the North American continent, the coyote is a member of the canid family common in the San Bernadino mountains. Coyotes are roughly the size of a medium to large domestic dog and have a few of the same mannerisms. They are social and adaptable, making family packs a common sight in residential areas and hiking trails, especially at night, dusk, or dawn.
Coyote attacks are rare, but human-wildlife conflicts involving coyotes are not. Many livestock and pet owners have been known to poison, trap, or outright shoot coyotes for fear of the damage they may do to domestic animals2. Coyote attacks on humans, although uncommon, are more likely to happen when pupping and breeding season occur (March-August) and are unlikely to leave serious injuries3. And even while attacks on small dogs in residential areas are increasing throughout the years4, it is still considered possible to avoid coyote-human interactions in a manner safe for both parties.
How to Share the Space:
You are not likely to attract a coyote unless you have small children or pets with you. If this is the case, keep them close to you to provide a clear defense, which should be enough to deter any hunting attempts from a pack. When hiking or camping, look for droppings that look like domestic dog droppings (but likely to contain fur in it). Keep an ear out for the characteristic “yipping” noises packs will often make. Also be sure to keep a respectful distance from anywhere that has clear signs of coyote inhabitants during breeding and pupping season.
No.5 Mountain Lion, Puma concolor
Elusive, beautiful, and cunning- the puma (AKA “mountain lion”) is a picture-perfect apex predator of the San Bernadino Mountains. They are truly one of the most majestic and elusive predators to witness in the North America.
The population of pumas in the San Bernadino and San Gabriel mountains are key to connecting the southern and northern parts of the state. Without these populations, the pumas on either side of the mountains suffer a loss of genetic health5. That said, the rare close encounter with a puma can be dangerous, especially for children, small pets, and solitary hikers.
How to Share the Space:
If you are hiking or camping, be aware of signs of pumas in the area. They use trees as scratching posts, much like a domestic cat uses a cat tree. The claw marks will be larger and further up the tree than what a bobcat can reach. Their pawprints have four toes like a domestic housecat but are notable huge. Avoid hiking alone, especially at dawn, dusk, and night. If a puma does approach you, place any small pets or children on your shoulders and make yourself as big and noisy as possible. Keeping eye contact and fully facing the animal helps, even while slowly backing away. Read more about mountain lion safety on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife official website.
Final Notes
The San Bernadino National Forests hosts a beautiful mountain habitat to hike, camp, or merely observe from the beautiful deck of a cabin Airbnb. However, practicing responsible coexistence with these 5 species in the area is a necessity for visitors and permanent residents alike. Each species plays an important role in the mountain ecosystem and taking preventative measures to keep yourself, your property, and the animals safe keep the forest a thriving ecosystem for everyone to enjoy.
References and Further Reading
- Sarah K. Brown, Joshua M. Hull, Douglas R. Updike, Steven R. Fain, Holly B. Ernest, Black Bear Population Genetics in California: Signatures of Population Structure, Competitive Release, and Historical Translocation, Journal of Mammalogy, Volume 90, Issue 5, 15 October 2009, Pages 1066–1074, https://doi.org/10.1644/08-MAMM-A-193.1
- Cornett, J. W. (2012). Wildlife of the Southwest Deserts. Nature Trails Press.
- Baker, R. O., & Timm, R. M. (2017). Coyote attacks on humans, 1970–2015: implications for reducing the risks. Human-Wildlife Interactions, 11(2), 120–132. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27315374
- Frauenthal, V. M., Bergman, P., & Murtaugh, R. J. (2017). Retrospective evaluation of Coyote attacks in dogs: 154 cases (1997–2012). Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, 27(3), 333–341. https://doi.org/10.1111/vec.12601
- Center for Biological Diversity: Saving California Mountain Lions
This is my personal favorite pocket guide for exploring forests of North America: National Audubon Society Pocket Guide: Familiar Animal Tracks of North America
