Local wildlife, the Alpine Zoo, bald eagle watching, and nature encounters in the San Bernardino Mountains
The Big Bear Alpine Zoo (officially the Big Bear Alpine Zoo at Moonridge) is a small, specialized zoo focused on the rehabilitation and display of animals native to the San Bernardino Mountains. It's one of the only alpine zoos in the western United States and serves as a rescue and rehabilitation center for injured wildlife.
The zoo houses animals that cannot be returned to the wild due to injury or human imprinting:
Big Bear Lake is one of the best bald eagle viewing locations in all of Southern California. Eagles migrate to the area each winter to feed on fish and waterfowl.
The Big Bear Discovery Center (USFS) and the Friends of Big Bear Valley host guided bald eagle tours during winter:
Annual Bald Eagle Count: Held each January. Volunteers count all wintering eagles in the Big Bear Valley. Results published by Friends of Big Bear Valley.
Big Bear is named for them! Black bears are common in the area. Keep food secured and don't approach them. They're generally shy and avoid humans.
Big Bear Lake is one of the best bald eagle viewing spots in Southern California. Winter is prime eagle-watching season (November – March).
Very common throughout the valley. You'll often see them grazing in meadows and near roads, especially at dawn and dusk.
Golden-mantled ground squirrels and chipmunks are everywhere. Don't feed them — it makes them dependent on humans.
Present in the area during warm months. Stay on trails, watch where you step, and give them space if you see one.
Mostly nocturnal. Keep pets on leashes and don't leave pet food outside. Coyotes are often heard howling at night.