The grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) is not currently an established resident of North Dakota. These large carnivores were once widespread across the state’s prairie and river systems. Decades of human development and pressure led to their complete disappearance from the region. While North Dakota lacks a resident population today, the expansion of neighboring populations means transient individuals could potentially wander into the state’s western borderlands.
The Historical Range of Grizzlies in North Dakota
Grizzly bears were once a prominent feature of the North Dakota landscape, particularly along the Missouri River and in the Badlands. Historical records from the early 1800s, including journals from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, document grizzly sightings near present-day Bismarck-Mandan. Fur traders also noted their presence in the eastern territory, in areas like the Pembina Hills and the Sheyenne River Valley.
The arrival of European settlers and westward expansion dramatically reduced the grizzly’s range. Grizzlies were viewed as a threat to livestock and human safety, leading to widespread hunting, poisoning, and government-funded eradication programs throughout the 19th century. This intense pressure, coupled with habitat loss due to agriculture, resulted in the species being extirpated from North Dakota. The last confirmed sighting within the state occurred in the late 1800s.
Current Status and Neighboring Populations
Today, the established grizzly bear populations in the lower 48 states are limited to federally designated recovery zones in the western mountain states. These core populations are primarily concentrated in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) and the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE), which span parts of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. The NCDE population, which includes Glacier National Park, has shown consistent range expansion into the prairie-grasslands of Montana.
This eastward expansion has brought grizzlies into the Missouri Breaks region of Montana, placing them only a few hundred miles from the western edge of North Dakota. Wildlife officials recognize that certain portions of North Dakota’s western habitat possess the necessary food sources and cover to support the species. However, a lack of continuous suitable habitat and the long distance from established breeding populations prevent grizzlies from forming a resident population in the state. Any grizzly found in North Dakota would most likely be a restless, dispersing male venturing far from its main population center.
North Dakota’s Only Resident Bear Species
The only bear species currently found in North Dakota is the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). North Dakota does not have a known resident breeding population, but transient individuals regularly wander into the state from Minnesota, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. Sightings are most common in forested areas of the eastern and northern borders, such as the Turtle Mountains and the Pembina Gorge.
Distinguishing between a black bear and a grizzly is important for accurate identification, as their coat colors can be misleading.
Key Differences Between Grizzlies and Black Bears
- Shoulder Hump: Grizzlies possess a prominent muscular hump above their shoulders, which is absent in the black bear.
- Facial Profile: The grizzly has a distinct, dished-in facial profile and smaller, rounded ears. The black bear has a straight profile from the forehead to the nose and larger, pointed ears.
- Claws: The grizzly’s front claws are long (up to four inches) and relatively straight, adapted for digging. Black bear claws are shorter, more curved, and better suited for climbing trees.
- Rump Height: The rump of a grizzly is typically lower than its shoulder hump when standing on all fours. The black bear’s rump is usually the highest point of its body.