Black bears are present in the greater Portland metropolitan area, particularly in the surrounding foothills and extensive green spaces. They use forested natural corridors that extend into urban and suburban environments. Residents living near natural areas, such as the West Hills, must take proactive steps for safe coexistence.
Species and Geographic Reality in the Portland Area
The only species of bear in Oregon is the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus); Grizzly Bears are not present. These highly adaptable omnivores thrive in forested areas, with an estimated population of 25,000 to 30,000 statewide. Though named black bears, their coats can range from black to brown, cinnamon, or blond.
In Portland, activity concentrates in the western portions, including the Tualatin Mountains and Forest Park. Sightings also occur in eastern suburbs bordering the Cascade foothills. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) notes that young males often use green belts as travel corridors, sometimes leading them into neighborhoods.
Why Bears Enter Urban and Suburban Areas
Bears are driven by their powerful sense of smell and a constant search for high-calorie food, particularly during spring post-hibernation and fall hyperphagia. Their sensitive noses detect food from miles away. Urban and suburban areas offer easy, energy-rich meals more accessible than foraging in the wild.
The primary attractants are unsecured garbage cans, pet food left outside, dirty barbecue grills, and fallen fruit. Bird feeders, especially those with suet or sunflower seeds, are also a major draw due to their high caloric content. Once a bear finds a reliable food source, its excellent memory ensures repeated returns. This success leads to habituation, causing the bear to lose its natural wariness of humans and increasing the potential for conflict.
Essential Safety and Prevention Measures
Preventing human-bear encounters requires eliminating food attractants, a practice known as “BearWise.” Garbage should be stored in a secured location, like a garage or shed, and only placed outside on the morning of collection. If secure storage is unavailable, use bear-resistant containers or secure lids with straps. Residents must remove all outdoor pet food immediately after feeding and clean barbecue grills thoroughly after each use before storing them securely. Bird feeders should be removed entirely during the active season, typically early spring through late fall.
If a bear is sighted, remain calm, avoid running, and speak in a firm voice to identify yourself as human. Do not approach the animal, especially a cub, and slowly back away to give it an escape route. In the rare event of an attack, the ODFW advises fighting back aggressively with any available object.