The grizzly bear, Ursus arctos horribilis, is a subspecies of the brown bear inhabiting North America, recognized by its distinctive shoulder hump and grizzled fur. This animal holds an iconic status, symbolizing the wild landscapes of the continent. Understanding where these bears reside across North America reveals their current distribution and conservation efforts.
North American Distribution
Historically, grizzly bears roamed extensively across western North America, from Alaska to Mexico and eastward to the Great Plains. Their range encompassed diverse ecosystems, including forests, alpine meadows, and coastal areas. Today, their distribution is significantly reduced and fragmented, particularly in the contiguous United States where they occupy approximately 2% of their historical range. Around 60,000 wild grizzly bears are estimated to live throughout North America, largely concentrated in specific wilderness areas due to human expansion and habitat alteration. This fragmentation has led to isolated groups.
Major US Grizzly Bear Ecosystems
Within the contiguous United States, grizzly bear populations are largely confined to designated recovery zones in the northwestern states.
- The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, spanning parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, supports approximately 1,000 bears and is a significant stronghold for the species in the lower 48 states.
- The Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem in north-central Montana is home to a robust population, estimated at about 1,000 to 1,092 bears.
- The Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystem in northwestern Montana and northern Idaho has an estimated 60 bears.
- The Selkirk Mountains Ecosystem, extending into northern Idaho, northeastern Washington, and southeastern British Columbia, contains about 70 to 80 bears, with approximately 44 in the US.
- The North Cascades Ecosystem in north-central Washington currently harbors fewer than 10 grizzly bears.
Alaska and Canada’s Key Habitats
Alaska is a stronghold for grizzly bears, with an estimated population of about 30,000 individuals, representing the largest concentration in North America. Their populations are particularly dense along the coast, where abundant food sources like salmon are available. Katmai National Park is home to approximately 3,000 grizzly bears. Denali National Park also supports a healthy grizzly population, with an estimated 300 to 350 bears on the north side of the Alaska Range.
Canada hosts a substantial grizzly bear population, with an estimated 29,000 bears. British Columbia alone accounts for a significant portion, with estimates ranging from 14,000 to 16,000 grizzlies. Alberta’s provincial lands support around 691 bears. Jasper National Park has a population of 100 to 120 individuals, while Banff National Park is home to approximately 65 to 70 bears. The Yukon and Northwest Territories also provide expansive habitats for these animals.
Conservation of Key Habitats
Protecting grizzly bear habitats is important for sustaining their populations across North America. Conservation efforts focus on managing existing recovery zones and mitigating threats like habitat fragmentation.
Human development, including roads and settlements, can isolate bear populations, hindering genetic exchange. Initiatives include establishing protected areas and promoting habitat connectivity through measures like wildlife crossings. Conflict management strategies are also implemented to reduce human-bear interactions. These ongoing conservation actions ensure the long-term viability of grizzly bear populations.