Grizzly bears, once widespread across the western United States, maintain a tenuous presence in Washington State. These are a federally threatened species, and their numbers remain low. While their presence is limited to specific remote regions, efforts are underway to help these bears recover in their historic habitats.
Grizzly Bear Presence and Distribution in Washington
Washington State is home to small, isolated populations of grizzly bears within distinct ecosystems. The North Cascades Ecosystem, stretching across 9,800 square miles in the U.S. and extending into British Columbia, is one such area. Fewer than ten grizzly bears are believed to reside in this ecosystem, and there has been no confirmed evidence of a grizzly in the U.S. portion since 1996.
To the northeast, the Selkirk Mountains host a small transboundary population, shared with northern Idaho and British Columbia. The Selkirk Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone is estimated to contain 50 to 60 bears, with a dozen of these animals likely residing within Washington’s borders. The confirmation of a female grizzly with cubs in Washington’s Selkirk Mountains in 2021 marked the first such sighting in four decades.
Further east, portions of Washington near the Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem (in northwestern Montana and northern Idaho) may also see occasional transboundary bears. This recovery zone is estimated to have a population of 55 to 60 grizzly bears. Historically, grizzlies roamed widely across Washington, but their populations faced severe declines due to hunting, trapping, and habitat loss.
Conservation and Recovery Efforts
Grizzly bears are listed as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) throughout the Lower 48 states. Washington State listed them as an endangered species in 1980. Federal agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Park Service (NPS), are involved in recovery efforts, often in collaboration with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).
A primary strategy involves managing designated Grizzly Bear Recovery Zones, which include the North Cascades, Selkirk, and Cabinet-Yaak ecosystems. In April 2024, federal agencies announced plans to restore grizzlies to the North Cascades. This initiative aims to translocate three to seven bears annually for five to ten years to establish an initial population of 25, with a long-term goal of around 200 bears within 60 to 100 years. These bears will be designated as a “nonessential experimental population” under Section 10(j) of the ESA, which provides management flexibility for wildlife officials.
Monitoring programs track bear movements, reproduction, and mortality for recovery plans. Efforts focus on protecting and restoring habitat connectivity, as fragmentation due to human development hinders population growth and genetic exchange. Public education campaigns foster coexistence and reduce human-bear conflicts.
Living and Recreating in Grizzly Country
Coexisting with grizzly bears involves understanding their behavior and taking precautions. When in bear country, never approach bears and always maintain a minimum distance of 100 yards, roughly the length of a football field. Observe from a safe distance without disturbing natural behaviors.
Proper food storage is important for bear safety. All food, garbage, and scented items should be stored in bear-resistant containers, locked vehicles, or hung from a high branch at least 100 feet away from camp. Clean barbecue grills thoroughly after each use to eliminate attractants. Avoid odorous foods to reduce attracting bears to your area.
Carrying bear spray in an easily accessible location and knowing how to use it can deter an aggressive bear, proving more effective than firearms in stopping charges. When hiking, particularly in areas with limited visibility, making noise by talking or singing can alert bears to your presence, preventing surprise encounters. Hiking in groups of three or more and avoiding dawn, dusk, or nighttime hours increases safety.
Distinguishing a grizzly bear from a black bear is important, as their behaviors can differ. Grizzlies typically have a prominent shoulder hump between their front shoulders and a distinct dished or concave facial profile. Their ears are generally smaller and more rounded compared to the larger, more pointed ears of black bears. While color is not a reliable indicator, as both species can range from black to brown to blonde, grizzlies often have long claws that are visible in their tracks, measuring two to four inches. Black bear claws are shorter and more curved.