Observing bears in their natural environment offers a unique connection to the wild, revealing their behaviors and interactions within their ecosystems. Finding these elusive animals requires an understanding of their habitats and routines. This pursuit is not only about locating bears but also about appreciating the intricate balance of the natural world they inhabit.
Where Different Bears Live
North America is home to three primary bear species: black bears, brown bears (including grizzlies), and polar bears. Black bears, the most widespread species, inhabit forested regions across Canada, Alaska, and the contiguous United States. These omnivores thrive in dense forests, swamps, and thick cover, venturing into clearings to forage. They seek nut- and fruit-producing trees and water sources in diverse habitats, including forests, mountains, lowlands, and wetlands.
Brown bears, commonly known as grizzlies in interior North America, have a broader habitat range than black bears. Their distribution spans western Canada, Alaska, and localized populations in states such as Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming. These bears inhabit coastal, boreal, and deciduous forests, sub-alpine mountain regions, and tundra, favoring open meadows and river valleys. Coastal brown bears, like the Kodiak bear subspecies, live along the southern coast of Alaska, supported by abundant salmon and rich vegetation.
Polar bears live in the Arctic, primarily on sea ice in countries such as Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia, and the U.S. (Alaska). Their lives revolve around the sea ice, a hunting platform for seals. While they prefer annual sea ice, they may spend time on land when it melts in summer, using terrestrial habitats.
Signs of Bear Activity
Bear tracks are a common sign of presence; front paw prints are typically wider than long, showing five toes and claw marks. Hind prints are longer and narrower. Scat (droppings) varies widely depending on diet, often containing undigested berries, seeds, or fur.
Claw marks on trees are another clear sign, showing where bears climb or mark territory. Disturbed logs or rocks indicate recent foraging, as bears overturn them for insects, grubs, or small mammals. Look for established bear trails, which are worn paths through dense vegetation. These signs collectively indicate recent bear activity.
When Bears Are Most Active
Bear activity patterns are tied to seasonal changes and food availability. In spring, bears emerge from dens, typically between March and May, seeking new plant growth and carrion after winter hibernation. During summer, from June to August, their activity focuses on foraging for berries, insects, and other food sources, often peaking in early morning and late evening.
Autumn, from September to November, marks a period known as hyperphagia, where bears engage in intensive feeding to build fat reserves for the upcoming denning season. This increased need for calories leads to bears being active longer throughout the day. Bears then enter dens for hibernation, usually from late November through early March, reducing activity to conserve energy during food scarcity. While often active at dawn and dusk (crepuscular), bears can be active at any time, especially when food is abundant or human disturbance is low.
Safe and Ethical Bear Viewing
Observing bears safely and ethically requires following guidelines to protect humans and wildlife. Maintain a considerable distance: a minimum of 100 yards (91 meters) from bears and 25 yards (23 meters) from other wildlife is recommended. Use binoculars or telephoto lenses for close observation without encroachment.
When hiking in bear country, making noise alerts bears to human presence, preventing surprise encounters. Proper food storage is important, as bears are attracted to human food; all food and scented items should be stored in bear-resistant containers or hung. Carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is a recommended self-defense. In the rare event of an encounter, the appropriate response depends on the bear species: fighting back is advised against a black bear, while playing dead is generally recommended against a grizzly, unless the attack is predatory. Always prioritize not disturbing animals and leaving the area cleaner than found it.