Local Wildlife in Big Bear Lake

Explore Big Bear Lake’s bald eagles, black bears, marsh wildlife, alpine birds, and the best places to experience nature safely and responsibly.

Popular Wildlife

What Wildlife Can You See in Big Bear?

Big Bear Lake is home to a diverse range of wildlife. These are some of the most commonly seen species throughout the year.

Bald Eagles

Bald Eagles

Big Bear is one of the best places in Southern California to see bald eagles, especially in the winter.

Black Bears

Black Bears

Black bears are the only bears in Big Bear. They are generally shy and most active at dawn and dusk.

Coyotes

Coyotes

Coyotes are common throughout Big Bear and play an important role in the local ecosystem.

Mountain Lions

Mountain Lions

Elusive and rarely seen, mountain lions live in remote areas across the San Bernardino Mountains.

Marsh Birds

Marsh Birds

Stanfield Marsh and other wetlands attract herons, ducks, geese, and many other bird species.

Wildlife Viewing

Best Places to Experience Wildlife

From peaceful marshes to scenic shorelines, these locations offer great opportunities to see wildlife in their natural habitat.

Stanfield Marsh

The top spot for birdwatching, eagles in flight, and peaceful boardwalk views.

Alpine Pedal Path

A quiet route where you may see deer, foxes, squirrels, and more.

Discovery Center

Learn about local wildlife and join guided nature walks and eagle tours.

More About Wildlife

Learn More About Local wildlife

These guides help visitors better understand the animals, habitats, and wildlife experiences that make Big Bear unique.

Big Bear Alpine Zoo

See rehabilitated local wildlife up close and learn their conservation stories.

Bears in Big Bear

Learn why Big Bear is home exclusively to black bears.

Local Wildlife Tips

What Visitors Should Know

A few simple steps help keep you, wildlife, and our community safe.

Residential Areas

Wildlife regularly moves through Big Bear neighborhoods, especially near forest edges and quieter streets at night.

Keep Pets Close

Coyotes are common throughout Big Bear and can target small pets, especially around dawn and dusk.

Give Wildlife Space

Never approach wildlife for photos. Stay calm, keep your distance, and allow animals a clear path to leave.

Faqs

Common Questions

  • What wildlife lives in Big Bear Lake?

    Big Bear Lake is home to black bears, coyotes, bobcats, deer, bald eagles, mountain lions, squirrels, foxes, and a wide variety of alpine birds. Wildlife sightings vary by season, location, weather, and time of day.

  • Are there bears in Big Bear Lake?

    Yes — Big Bear is home to American black bears. Despite the town’s name, there are no grizzly or brown bears living in the area. Black bears are generally shy and usually avoid people, but visitors should always secure food, trash, and scented items.

  • Can you see bald eagles in Big Bear year-round?

    Bald eagles can occasionally be seen throughout the year, but activity increases during nesting season, typically from late fall through spring. Big Bear’s resident pair, Jackie and Shadow, are most active around the nest during winter and early spring.

  • TiWhat should you do if you encounter wildlife in Big Bear?tle or Question

    Never approach or feed wildlife. Stay calm, give animals space, keep dogs leashed, and allow the animal a clear path to leave the area. Visitors should also avoid leaving food, trash, or coolers unattended, especially near trails and campgrounds.