Bear Necessities: 10 U.S. States Where Wild Bears Roam Free

 May 17th , 2024

CHIRANJIT MITRA

Bear Species: Brown bears (including grizzlies) and black bears. Where to Spot Them: Widespread across the state, but especially in national parks and remote areas.

Alaska

Bear Species: Grizzly bears and black bears. Where to Spot Them: Glacier National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and surrounding wilderness areas.

Montana

Bear Species: Grizzly bears and black bears. Where to Spot Them: Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Wyoming

Bear Species: Grizzly bears and black bears. Where to Spot Them: Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, and Yellowstone National Park.

Idaho

Bear Species: Black bears and a small population of grizzly bears. Where to Spot Them: North Cascades National Park, Olympic National Park, and other forested areas.

Washington

Bear Species: Black bears. Where to Spot Them: Mount Hood National Forest, Willamette National Forest, and along the Cascade Range.

Oregon

Bear Species: Black bears. Where to Spot Them: Yosemite National Park, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and the Sierra Nevada mountains.

California

Bear Species: Black bears. Where to Spot Them: Higher elevations like the Kaibab National Forest and the White Mountains.

Arizona

Bear Species: Black bears. Where to Spot Them: Gila National Forest, Carson National Forest, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

New Mexico

Bear Species: Black bears. Where to Spot Them: Rocky Mountain National Park, San Juan National Forest, and other mountainous areas.

Colorado

Bears are also found in parts of Utah, Nevada, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and other states, so research before you explore!

Other Bear States