Rare black bear becomes first to be radio-collared and tracked in Santa Monica Mountains

A rare black bear, BB-12, was recently captured, tagged with a radio collar and GPS tracker, and released, marking the first bear studied in the Santa Monica Mountains in decades.
BB-12 is estimated to be 3 or 4 years old and may be the same bear spotted in the area in July 2021.
Black bears are not native to Southern California, but occasionally travel south of the 101 Freeway.
Researchers captured the bear on April 23, gave it a physical exam, and outfitted it with a GPS radio collar to track its movements, diet, and habitat.
BB-12 is likely the only bear currently inhabiting the Santa Monica Mountains.