The grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) is an apex predator and an iconic symbol of North American wilderness. These powerful bears once ranged across much of the western contiguous United States, but their populations have been significantly reduced. The largest concentrations of these animals are overwhelmingly concentrated in one state, though important recovering populations exist in the lower 48 states.
The Overwhelming Answer: Alaska’s Dominance
The state that hosts the vast majority of the American grizzly bear population is Alaska. Estimates suggest that over 30,000 grizzly bears live there, accounting for approximately 98% of the entire U.S. population. This immense population thrives due to the state’s expansive, undeveloped wilderness and low human density.
The size and ecological richness of Alaska provide an ideal environment for the bears. Coastal grizzlies benefit from rich food sources like spawning salmon, allowing them to grow larger than their inland counterparts. Alaskan bears have a stable, widely distributed population managed through regulated hunting and habitat conservation.
Conservation Status in the Contiguous United States
The situation for grizzly bears in the contiguous United States (Lower 48) is far more precarious than in Alaska. Following westward expansion and habitat loss, the population was nearly eliminated, shrinking to as few as 700 individuals by the 1930s. The species was listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1975, providing statutory protections.
The ESA listing mandated recovery efforts and the establishment of distinct geographical areas to support population growth. This legal status remains in place for the Lower 48 grizzlies, reflecting the continued need for protection and recovery. Their current range represents only about six percent of their estimated historical territory.
Primary Recovery Zones and Population Estimates
In the contiguous United States, the grizzly bear population has rebounded to approximately 2,000 bears, concentrated in two major recovery ecosystems. These populations are spread across several western states, with Montana holding the highest number of grizzlies outside of Alaska. This makes Montana the practical answer for the state with the most grizzlies in the Lower 48.
Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone
The Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) in Montana, including Glacier National Park, supports the largest single population in the contiguous U.S. Estimates for the NCDE population are approximately 1,092 bears. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE), spanning parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, is home to the second-largest population.
The GYE population is estimated to be around 1,000 bears, with the majority residing near Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. The GYE and NCDE populations are currently separated by about 45 miles. Bears have been expanding their range, increasing the potential for genetic exchange between the two groups.
Smaller Fragmented Populations
Other much smaller, fragmented populations exist in the Selkirk and Cabinet-Yaak Ecosystems, primarily in Idaho and Montana, but these counts are often fewer than 100 bears each.