Brown bears, commonly known as grizzlies, were once present in Utah but are no longer considered a resident population; any sightings are extremely rare and likely involve transient individuals from neighboring states. In contrast, American black bears are the only bear species with a healthy, resident population in the state.
The Grizzly’s Historical Footprint in Utah
Utah was historically part of the grizzly bear’s extensive North American range. These large bears were common in Utah’s mountains when early settlers arrived in the mid-1800s. However, the expansion of human settlements and agriculture led to widespread conflict, as grizzlies were often seen as a threat to livestock and human safety.
Intense hunting, poisoning, and trapping campaigns drastically reduced grizzly populations across their former range. This pressure, combined with habitat loss, led to their extirpation from Utah. The last grizzly bear in Utah, “Old Ephraim,” was killed in Logan Canyon in August 1923.
Today, grizzlies occupy only about 2% of their historical range in the contiguous United States, concentrated in isolated regions like the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. While there have been recent reports of grizzly bears expanding their range in Wyoming, bringing them closer to Utah’s borders, this does not indicate a resident population in Utah. Utah does not currently have a management plan for grizzly bears, and any confirmed sightings of transient individuals would likely lead to relocation efforts.
Utah’s Resident Bear: The Black Bear
American black bears (Ursus americanus) are Utah’s only resident bear species. These bears inhabit most of the state’s forested mountainous areas, including the Uinta Mountains, Wasatch Range, and parts of southern Utah, typically at elevations between 7,000 to 10,000 feet. They are omnivores, with their diet varying seasonally to include grasses, berries, nuts, insects, and carrion.
Despite their name, black bears in Utah exhibit a wide range of color variations, from black to brown, cinnamon, or even blonde, and often have a light brown muzzle. This color diversity can sometimes lead to misidentification, with brown-colored black bears being mistaken for grizzlies. Physically, black bears are smaller than grizzlies, typically weighing between 100 to 400 pounds for females and 250 to 600 pounds for males.
Black bears have a straight facial profile, larger and more pointed ears, and shorter, more curved claws, which are adapted for climbing trees. In contrast, grizzlies possess a distinct shoulder hump, a concave facial profile, and longer, straighter claws suited for digging. Black bears generally avoid human contact, and their populations in Utah are estimated around 4,000 individuals.
Coexisting with Bears in Utah
Living and recreating in Utah’s bear country requires adherence to safety guidelines to prevent conflicts. Bears are primarily attracted to human food and scented items due to their strong sense of smell, which is seven times stronger than a bloodhound’s. Proper food storage is paramount; all food, snacks, and scented products like deodorant and toothpaste should be stored in bear-proof containers, locked vehicles, or hung high from trees, never left in tents or on tables.
Keeping campsites and residential areas clean is important. This includes disposing of trash in bear-resistant bins, cleaning barbecue grills, and securing potential attractants like bird feeders, fruit trees, and pet food.
If you encounter a black bear, stand your ground, make yourself look large, and make noise, as black bears are generally more intimidated by humans than grizzlies. Running or climbing a tree is not advisable, as black bears are fast runners and excellent climbers. If a black bear attacks, fighting back vigorously with any available object is recommended. Report aggressive bears or those in residential areas to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources to help manage human-bear interactions.