Washington State is home to rare grizzly bears, found in specific, remote areas. Their population is small and considered endangered, leading to ongoing conservation efforts. These bears once roamed widely but saw significant declines due to human activities.
Where Grizzlies Roam in Washington
Grizzly bears are concentrated in two federally designated recovery zones: the North Cascades Ecosystem and the Selkirk Mountains. The North Cascades Ecosystem, spanning approximately 9,800 square miles and extending into British Columbia, has seen no confirmed U.S. sightings since 1996. Prior to recent reintroduction plans, estimates suggested fewer than 10 grizzlies remained in this vast area.
In contrast, the Selkirk Mountains, which also extends into Idaho and British Columbia, supports a small but more established population. This transboundary population is estimated to include about 50-60 grizzly bears across the entire Selkirk Grizzly Bear Recovery Zone, with approximately a dozen bears likely residing within Washington’s borders. Bears in this area are mainly found in the Colville National Forest, particularly east of the Pend Oreille River.
Efforts to Restore Grizzly Populations
Several agencies are involved in efforts to restore grizzly bear populations, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. These efforts are necessary because grizzly bears are a threatened species in the lower 48 states, and their populations were largely eliminated by historical human killing. Agencies plan to restore grizzly bears to the North Cascades Ecosystem through translocation from areas like the Rocky Mountains or interior British Columbia.
The plan involves moving three to seven grizzly bears per year for five to ten years to establish an initial population of 25 bears. The long-term goal is to achieve a self-sustaining population of around 200 bears within 60 to 100 years. This reintroduction effort also includes designating the bears as a “nonessential experimental population” under the Endangered Species Act, which offers more management flexibility to address potential conflicts with humans.
Coexisting with Grizzlies
Coexisting with grizzly bears involves understanding their behavior and taking precautions. When hiking or camping in areas where grizzlies might be present, it is important to carry bear spray, know how to use it, and keep it readily accessible. Making noise while on trails, especially in groups of three or more, can help prevent surprise encounters. Avoiding hiking at dusk, dawn, or at night, when bears are often more active, is also recommended.
Proper food storage prevents bears from becoming accustomed to human food, a situation that can lead to danger. All food, garbage, and scented items should be stored in bear-resistant containers, locked hard-sided vehicles, or hung at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from a tree trunk. If a bear is encountered, it is important to remain calm, avoid running, and slowly back away while speaking in a low voice. If a grizzly charges, stand your ground and use bear spray when the bear is within 30-60 feet. If contact is made, playing dead by lying flat on your stomach and protecting your head and neck is often recommended.
Distinguishing a grizzly bear from a black bear is important for safety, as their behaviors in an encounter can differ. Grizzly bears have a prominent shoulder hump, a dish-shaped or concave facial profile, and smaller, more rounded ears. Their front claws are longer and straighter, about two to four inches, adapted for digging. Black bears, in contrast, lack a shoulder hump, have a straighter facial profile, and larger, more pointed ears. Their claws are shorter and more curved, better suited for climbing trees.