Wyoming’s Principal Bear Species
Wyoming is home to two primary bear species: the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) and the American black bear (Ursus americanus). Grizzly bears are an iconic symbol of wilderness in Wyoming and represent a conservation success story, though they are currently listed as a threatened population under the Endangered Species Act.
Their population has recovered from historic lows in the early 1980s, with estimates indicating over 1,000 grizzlies in the state as of 2023. These bears are primarily found in northwestern Wyoming, as part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem population that also extends into parts of Idaho and Montana.
American black bears are also widespread throughout Wyoming, inhabiting forested areas across the state. While their overall population in Wyoming is considered robust and stable, exact numbers are not always available as the state only began more comprehensive counting in 2019. Black bears have been managed as a game species in Wyoming since the mid-1970s, and many populations have increased and expanded their distribution since then.
Key Distinctions and Habitats
Wyoming’s bear species, despite sharing the same landscape, possess clear physical differences and inhabit distinct regions. Distinguishing between a grizzly bear and a black bear requires observing a combination of physical characteristics rather than relying solely on color or size, as both species exhibit a wide range of fur colors from blonde to black. Size can also be misleading due to variations based on age, sex, and physical condition.
A primary distinguishing feature of a grizzly bear is the prominent shoulder hump, a muscle mass used for powerful digging, which is absent in black bears. When a black bear is on all fours, its highest point is typically the middle of its back or rump, while a grizzly’s highest point is its shoulder hump.
Another indicator is the facial profile; grizzlies have a “dished” or concave profile from their eyes to the tip of their nose, whereas black bears generally have a straighter, more dog-like facial profile. Ear shape also differs: grizzly bears have shorter, more rounded ears in proportion to their head size, while black bears possess larger, more pointed ears that appear more prominent on their head.
Furthermore, their front claws provide another clue. Grizzly bears have long, gently curved claws (2-4 inches) suitable for digging, while black bears have shorter, more sharply curved claws (less than 2 inches) suited for climbing trees and tearing into logs.
Regarding habitat, grizzly bears in Wyoming are primarily found within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, encompassing Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and surrounding national forests. Their range has expanded significantly since the 1990s within this ecosystem. Black bears, conversely, are more widespread and inhabit forested areas across most of Wyoming’s mountain ranges, including the Bighorn, Snowy, Sierra Madre, Laramie Peak, and Uinta mountains. While there can be some overlap in their distribution, black bears generally prefer denser forested environments, and grizzly bears often utilize more open habitats like meadows and riparian areas.