Since the acquisition of the Hopland Research & Extension Center by the UC, the occurrence of American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) has changed. From 1951 through about 1982 there were no records of black bear on the Center property that I am aware of. However, beginning in 1983, black bears began to show up, occasionally causing fatalities amongst our sheep flock.
Over the last decade sightings have become more numerous ... still unusual and noteworthy, but still more common than in the past. Within the last year there has been almost a monthly sighting or trail-camera photo of black bears either on HREC or adjacent properties. About a month ago, a cinnamon-colored (they come in various color phases) black bear sow with two mid-sized cubs was spotted at the higher elevations of the Center. This last Monday a staff member probably saw the mother/cubs group crossing University Road at the lower elevations. Then, last Tuesday night, it appears as though they raided one of the resident chicken coops.
Common throughout conifer-forested areas of N.A., they occasionally are found in other habitat types including oak woodlands and chaparral. Here is a photo of a similar youngster taken two weeks ago from Potter Valley which is about 25 miles north of HREC.
