The grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) is not currently found in New Mexico; the species is considered extirpated. While these large bears once roamed the mountainous regions of the Southwest, their presence is now a historical footnote. Any grizzly bear that might wander into the state from a neighboring region would be afforded protection under federal law.
Current Status of the Grizzly Bear in New Mexico
Grizzly bears no longer maintain a breeding population in New Mexico. The last widely reported sighting occurred in 1933, marking the end of their sustained presence. Since then, any bear observed in the wild has been identified as the New Mexico Black Bear (Ursus americanus), which is abundant across the state.
Despite their extirpation, the grizzly bear retains a protected status throughout the contiguous United States. Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the species is listed as “threatened” in the lower 48 states. This federal designation means that any individual grizzly that might naturally disperse into New Mexico would immediately be protected from harm, acknowledging that the overall recovery of the species is incomplete.
Historical Range and Disappearance
The historical distribution of the grizzly bear in New Mexico encompassed the majority of the state’s mountainous terrain. These large omnivores were found in the San Juan, Jemez, and Sangre de Cristo ranges in the north, extending south into the White, Mogollon, and Black Range Mountains.
The dramatic decline began with the arrival of Anglo-American settlers in the mid-19th century. Factors including the conversion of habitat to agricultural land and the introduction of livestock catalyzed conflict with the native bear population. Government-funded bounty programs incentivized the shooting, trapping, and poisoning of grizzlies. This intense pressure led to the elimination of roughly 90% of the grizzly population in the Southwest between 1860 and 1910.
Distinguishing Grizzlies from New Mexico Black Bears
Since the New Mexico Black Bear is the only bear species currently residing in the state, correctly identifying a bear is important, especially since black bears can exhibit various coat colors. Unlike the grizzly, the black bear lacks a prominent muscular hump between its shoulders. The highest point on a black bear’s body is typically its rump or the middle of its back.
A grizzly’s face features a distinct, concave or dish-shaped profile, while a black bear’s profile runs straighter from its forehead to the tip of its nose. A grizzly’s claws are long, straight, and range from two to four inches, an adaptation for digging roots and excavating prey. Black bear claws are shorter, more sharply curved, and measure only about one to two inches, which is better suited for climbing trees. Many black bears in New Mexico have brown, cinnamon, or even blonde coats, proving that color is not a reliable way to differentiate the species.