It is a common question whether grizzly bears roam Utah’s landscapes. This article explores their historical presence, current status, factors contributing to their absence, and how to distinguish between bear species found in Utah.
Historical and Current Presence
Grizzly bears once had a widespread historical range across western North America, including Utah. The state was near the geographical center of their historical distribution. When Mormon pioneers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, the surrounding mountains still harbored many grizzly bears.
By the early 20th century, grizzly bears were extirpated from Utah due to habitat loss and human conflict. The last known grizzly bear in Utah, “Old Ephraim,” was reportedly killed in 1923 in Logan Canyon. The U.S. Forest Service estimated about 10 grizzlies remained in Cache National Forest in 1925, but by 1930, none were left due to hunting.
Currently, there are no established, breeding populations of grizzly bears in Utah. While black bears are the only bear species that make their dens in Utah today, transient individual grizzlies may rarely disperse into the state from neighboring populations. Areas like the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which includes parts of Wyoming and Idaho, have seen a significant increase in grizzly bear populations, expanding their ranges closer to Utah’s borders.
Understanding Their Absence
Grizzly bears have not re-established populations in Utah due to ongoing challenges. Habitat fragmentation is a significant factor, as human development and infrastructure like roads reduce and isolate suitable bear habitats. Bears often avoid areas with high human activity and road density, which limits their ability to move and find new territories.
Human population growth and development continue to encroach on potential bear habitats, leading to increased human-bear conflicts. These conflicts, often related to bears seeking human food sources, can result in bears being killed.
The lack of contiguous wildlands connecting Utah to current grizzly strongholds in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem makes natural recolonization challenging. Even if a few bears were to wander into Utah, isolated habitats could lead to genetic inbreeding, risking population viability. Utah was not identified for grizzly bear protection in federal recovery plans because the state lacks sufficient suitable habitat to support these large, wide-ranging animals.
Identifying Bear Species in Utah
Black bears (Ursus americanus) are currently the only established bear species in Utah. Thousands of black bears reside in Utah’s mountains and forests, primarily at elevations between 7,000–10,000 feet, though they can be found at lower elevations. Black bears in Utah exhibit a variety of color phases, including black, brown, cinnamon, and blonde, so color is not a reliable distinguishing characteristic.
Distinguishing between black bears and grizzly bears involves observing several physical characteristics. Grizzly bears typically have a prominent shoulder hump, which is absent in black bears. Grizzlies also have a dished or concave facial profile, while black bears have a straighter profile.
The ears of a grizzly bear appear smaller and more rounded compared to the larger, more pointed ears of a black bear. Grizzlies possess longer, less curved claws, adapted for digging, whereas black bears have shorter, more sharply curved claws better suited for climbing trees. Identifying these differences is important for accurate identification.