Many people wonder about the types of bears inhabiting North Carolina, often asking if grizzly bears roam the state’s forests. This article clarifies which bear species are present in North Carolina, how to distinguish them, their natural habitats, and how to safely coexist with them.
North Carolina’s Bear Population
Grizzly bears do not live in North Carolina. The only bear species found in North Carolina, and throughout the eastern United States, is the American black bear (Ursus americanus). North Carolina’s black bear population has seen a significant recovery, growing from an estimated 2,000 bears in 1970 to over 20,000 today. These bears are primarily found in two main regions: the mountainous western part of the state and the extensive coastal plain, with their presence increasingly noted in the central Piedmont region.
Distinguishing Bear Species
Differentiating between a grizzly bear and an American black bear involves observing several physical characteristics, as coat color alone is not a reliable indicator. Both species can exhibit a range of colors, from black to various shades of brown, cinnamon, or even blonde. A prominent shoulder hump is a distinguishing feature of grizzly bears; black bears lack this hump.
Another key difference is their facial profile: grizzly bears typically have a concave or “dished” profile from their eyes to their nose, while black bears have a straighter, more dog-like profile. The claws also vary significantly; grizzly bears possess longer, straighter claws (2 to 4 inches) adapted for digging, whereas black bears have shorter, more curved claws (less than 2 inches) suited for climbing trees. Furthermore, grizzly bears generally have smaller, more rounded ears, while black bears have larger, more pointed ears.
Grizzly Bear Habitats
Grizzly bears, a subspecies of the brown bear, historically ranged across much of the western half of the contiguous United States, central Mexico, western Canada, and most of Alaska. Prior to the 1800s, an estimated 50,000 grizzly bears were distributed across 18 western states, including California and parts of the Great Plains. Due to westward expansion, habitat loss, and hunting, their populations in the lower 48 states were severely reduced.
Today, grizzly bears in the contiguous United States are primarily found in isolated populations within specific ecosystems, such as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem. Significant populations also exist in Alaska and western Canada. Their current distribution reinforces that North Carolina is outside their natural range.
Living Alongside Black Bears in North Carolina
As black bears are the only bear species in North Carolina, residents and visitors need guidance on safe coexistence. Black bears are generally shy and non-aggressive towards humans unless provoked or attracted to human food sources. Preventing conflicts often involves managing food attractants around homes and campsites.
Securing garbage in bear-resistant containers or storing it in a secure building until collection day. Bird feeders, pet food, and outdoor grills can also attract bears and should be removed or cleaned. If a black bear is encountered, remain calm, avoid running, and appear large by waving arms and making noise. Slowly back away while facing the bear, and never approach, surround, or corner the animal.