Determining which states host the largest bear populations is complex. State wildlife agencies rely on population models, DNA sampling, and intensive surveys to generate estimates, not precise counts. These figures fluctuate based on environmental conditions and management practices. The vast majority of bears in the United States are American Black Bears, but the presence of the far larger Brown/Grizzly Bear significantly impacts the total count and distribution in a few western states.
The States with the Highest Estimated Bear Populations
Alaska stands as the undisputed state with the highest bear population in the United States, hosting an estimated total exceeding 125,000 individuals. This massive number is comprised of over 100,000 American Black Bears and between 25,000 and 30,000 Brown Bears, which include the coastal Brown Bears and inland Grizzlies. The state’s immense size and minimal human development across its vast wilderness provide an unrivaled environment for bears to thrive.
Outside of Alaska, the states with the largest populations are primarily those with extensive, unfragmented forest cover in the contiguous United States. California is often cited as having the highest Black Bear population in the lower 48 states, with estimates ranging from 25,000 to 40,000 bears. This population has steadily increased since the 1980s and is spread across the Sierra Nevada, coastal ranges, and even into parts of Southern California.
Maine also ranks highly, largely due to its vast, dense forests, particularly in the northern and western regions, which support an estimated Black Bear population of around 35,000. The state’s low human density across much of its interior provides expansive, contiguous habitat blocks necessary for sustaining such high numbers. Other western states like Oregon and Washington maintain robust Black Bear populations, each estimated to be between 25,000 and 30,000.
The states of Montana and Wyoming feature prominently in bear population discussions, not for their Black Bear numbers, but for their Grizzly Bear counts. Montana hosts an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 Grizzlies, while Wyoming supports a population of around 700, mostly concentrated in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. When considering the total number of bears, these five states—Alaska, California, Maine, Oregon, and Washington—consistently represent the nation’s bear strongholds.
Distribution of Bear Species Across the United States
The distribution of bears across the country is largely defined by the two primary species: the widespread American Black Bear and the geographically restricted Brown/Grizzly Bear. The American Black Bear is the most common and adaptable species, occupying forested areas in at least 41 of the 50 states. Their range extends from the East Coast, down the Appalachian Mountains, across the northern Midwest, throughout the Rocky Mountains, and along the West Coast.
The Brown Bear, commonly referred to as the Grizzly Bear in North America, has a far more limited distribution. Their populations are concentrated almost entirely in Alaska, which holds over 90% of the entire U.S. Brown Bear count. In the lower 48 states, the Grizzly Bear is confined to a few isolated recovery ecosystems.
These remnant populations are found in only four states: Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington. They are confined to areas like the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem, living in protected mountainous wilderness. This stark difference in range explains why states like California and Maine can have high total populations almost entirely composed of Black Bears, while Montana and Wyoming have a mix of Black Bears and the much rarer Grizzly Bears.
Ecological and Management Factors Supporting High Bear Counts
The states that support the highest bear populations share favorable ecological conditions and effective wildlife management strategies. A primary factor is the presence of extensive, unfragmented habitat. This contiguous cover provides the space necessary for large home ranges and minimizes negative human-bear interactions.
Abundant and diverse food sources are important, as they directly influence a female bear’s reproductive success and cub survival rates. Coastal regions in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, for example, benefit from seasonal salmon runs that provide a massive caloric influx for bears preparing for hibernation. In other states, a reliable supply of mast crops, such as acorns, berries, and nuts, is a key determinant of habitat quality.
Successful state-level management programs maintain these high counts. Wildlife agencies in these states utilize carefully regulated hunting seasons to manage population growth and distribution, preventing overpopulation in areas where human conflict might increase. The establishment of protected lands, national parks, and managed forests ensures that bears have safe corridors and breeding grounds, allowing their numbers to remain robust and stable.