CannonBallZ Report post Posted August 6, 2023 Over the last week or two down here in the valley I've noticed that the prickly pears seem to be fruiting. I found one squished open on the ground and it seemed to be very ripe and it smelled quite sweet. Basically I'm wondering if the black bears in AZ are already eating the fruits. I've heard varying things about when they are ripe from July-August OR September - December. I have no clue which one is true but based on how ripe they seem it seems reasonable that they fruit through August(especially at lower elevations) but might fruit later in the higher elevations. Does anyone have experience with how elevation effects the fruiting of the prickly pear and/or other forage for black bear? Thanks for all the responses in advance! I can't wait to get out there when the season opens this fall. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Couzer Report post Posted August 6, 2023 Depends on rain fall and yes some areas they are eating the pears already. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PRDATR Report post Posted August 7, 2023 It's been hot and they are ripening sooner. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
