Bruno Pugh
Want to see bears in their natural habitat? Our guide on the 15 states where bears remain wild and free reveals the top locations for bear spotting in the United States. Explore the states that offer these unique and thrilling encounters and remember to follow the safety guidelines and regulations in dealing with the bears.
Alaska
Home to all three North American bear species—black bears, brown bears, and polar bears. With an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 brown bears, it has the largest population of any state in the US. One of the high-concentration areas in the state is the Katmai National Park and Preserve. Visitors to Alaska can experience bear viewing during guided tours, wildlife cruises, hiking, and camping in Bear Country.
California
Known for its black bear population, California’s Sierra Nevada mountains and forests offer a healthy and stable refuge to these wild animals. You can also find bears in various regions, including the coastal mountains, Big Sur, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the San Bernardino Mountains. Over 30,000 bears are found in the state.
Colorado
Between 17,000 to 20,000 Black bears thrive in Colorado’s mountainous regions and national parks, where they roam freely. The state’s pristine wilderness, including Rocky Mountain National Park, supports a vibrant bear community. Colorado bears are known for their love of honey! In fact, they’re often called “honey bears” due to their fondness for raiding beehives.
Idaho
Both black bears and grizzly bears call here home, especially in the northern part of the state. Idaho is referred to as the “Bear Valley” region, offering excellent viewing opportunities to visitors. The picturesque backcountry, dense forests, and remote wilderness areas provide essential habitats for these iconic creatures. More so, Idaho bears are known for their love of salmon and can often be found fishing in the state’s rivers and streams.
Montana
With diverse terrains, the state hosts black bears and grizzlies, including Glacier National Park. It also has a unique program called “Bear Smart,” which aims to educate residents and visitors on how to coexist with bears. The vast wilderness areas, alpine meadows, and thick forests create a haven for these magnificent animals.
Wyoming
Wyoming’s Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are havens for grizzly bears, while black bears roam throughout the state. The jagged beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem provides critical bear habitats.
Washington
Black bears inhabit the state’s forests and mountainous areas. Spots like the North Cascades National Park provide natural accommodation to the teeming bear population and stunning scenery for guests. Washington’s bears are skilled at fishing and climbing, using their sharp claws and strong limbs.
Oregon
From coastal forests to mountains, Oregon supports a healthy population of black bears. The state’s diverse ecosystems, including Crater Lake National Park, provide ample food and shelter for these wild animals.
Nevada
While not as abundant (around 500-600 individuals) as in other states, the bears here can be found in the western and central regions, particularly in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Sightings can also be done at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Washoe Lake State Park, Carson City, and Genoa.
Utah
Northern and central Utah provide habitats for black bears where they roam freely in forests and mountains. These bears find solace in the state’s natural beauty such as the Wasatch Range to the Uinta Mountains.
Arizona
The only bear species found in Arizona is the black bear which thrives in forests, woodlands, chaparral, and desert riparian areas. Despite the desert environment, these animals flourish in cooler, higher elevations. However, during the harsh winter months (November to March), they hibernate to conserve energy and survive the scarcity of food, living in dens until spring arrives.
New Mexico
Forested and mountainous regions in this state offer refuge to black bears. The bears could explore the Sangre de Cristo Mountains all the way to the Gila Wilderness. These animals play a vital role in the state’s ecosystems.
Michigan
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula hosts an active population of black bears. The northern Lower Peninsula also saw an increase in the black bear population, with a 55% increase between 2012 and 2022. The lush forests, freshwater lakes, and rough geography provide an ideal environment for these creatures.
Minnesota
Rare blue-phase black bears join the black bear population in Minnesota, which is between 20,000 and 30,000. You’ll find the animals mainly in the eastern and northern woodlands parts of the state, especially in the Arrowhead Region and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
Maine
Significant numbers of black bears thrive in Maine’s forests and wilderness areas, contributing to their continued existence in the wild. The state’s untamed coastline, dense forests, and abundant wildlife make it a bear-friendly haven.
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