Maine’s expansive forests and diverse wildlife include a notable bear population. Understanding which bear species inhabit this northeastern state, along with their behaviors and how to safely interact with them, is important for both residents and visitors. The state is home to a significant bear population, with estimates ranging from 35,000 to 55,000 individuals, representing the largest black bear population in the eastern United States.
Maine’s Sole Bear Resident
The American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) is the only bear species found within Maine’s natural habitats. Adult males typically weigh between 250 and 600 pounds and measure 5 to 6 feet from nose to tail, while females are smaller, averaging 100 to 400 pounds and 4 to 5 feet in length. These bears possess a compact build with stocky legs, small eyes, short, rounded ears, and short, curved claws. While black is the most common fur color in Maine, individuals can exhibit shades of brown, and some may have a white patch or “blaze” on their chest.
Black bears are omnivores, with their diet predominantly consisting of plant matter, making up about 90% of their intake. Their seasonal foraging includes grasses, clover, and tree buds in spring, transitioning to fruits and berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries during summer. In the fall, they consume nuts like beechnuts, acorns, and hazelnuts, intensely feeding to build fat reserves for winter. This plant-based diet is supplemented with insects, including ants and bees, and occasionally carrion or small mammals like young deer or moose.
These bears thrive in forested environments, particularly second-growth conifer-deciduous forests that offer both protection and abundant food sources. They are remarkably adaptable to human presence, often found near wooded swamps and areas with dense undergrowth that provide cover. While black bears are found almost statewide in Maine, they are more prevalent in the northern and eastern regions.
Black bears generally lead solitary lives, except during mating season or when females are raising cubs. Breeding typically occurs from May through August, with peak activity in June and July. Females give birth to one to four cubs in their winter dens, usually in January or February.
Cubs remain with their mother for 16 to 18 months, learning essential survival skills before dispersing. Bears enter dens for their winter dormancy period, usually from mid-October to late November, emerging in late April. During this time, they do not eat, drink, urinate, or defecate.
Bear Species Not Found in Maine
Other well-known bear species, such as Grizzly Bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) and Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus), do not naturally inhabit the state. Grizzly bears are found in specific ecosystems like high mountain forests, subalpine meadows, and arctic tundras, which differ significantly from Maine’s environment.
Polar bears are adapted to extreme Arctic conditions and are found in the northern polar regions. Their habitat relies on sea ice, which serves as a platform for hunting seals. Their distribution includes Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia, and Alaska. Maine’s temperate climate and geographical location lack the expansive sea ice and Arctic ecosystem necessary to support polar bear populations.
Coexisting with Maine’s Bears
Coexisting safely with black bears in Maine requires understanding how to prevent encounters, often by managing potential food attractants around homes and campsites. Securing garbage in bear-resistant containers or indoors, bringing in bird feeders and pet food between April 1 and November 1, and thoroughly cleaning outdoor grills after use can significantly reduce bear visits. Bears have an acute sense of smell and can be drawn to even residual food odors.
When outdoors, precautions can minimize encounters. Hiking in groups, making noise in areas with dense vegetation, keeping children within sight, and leashing dogs are recommended. Carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it can enhance safety. In camping situations, never store food, trash, or toiletries inside tents; instead, keep them in vehicles with closed windows, bear-proof containers, or suspended from a tree at least 100 yards from sleeping areas. Cooking should also occur at a distance from sleeping areas.
If a bear encounter occurs, remain calm and assess its behavior. If a bear appears aggressive or approaches, make yourself look larger by raising your arms and speak loudly while slowly backing away. Do not run, as bears can outrun humans.
If a bear continues to follow, stand your ground and try to intimidate it by waving your arms, shouting, or banging a stick. If a bear charges, stand firm and be prepared to use bear spray. In the rare event of physical contact, fight back using anything available, focusing on the bear’s face, eyes, and nose. If a bear enters a home, provide a clear escape route by leaving doors open and contact local authorities.