1. Alaska: The Bear Capital of the U.S.
It’s no surprise that Alaska tops the list with a staggering estimated 100,000 black, brown, and polar bears roaming its vast wilderness. Home to the largest population of grizzlies in North America, Alaska offers plenty of space for bears to roam, fish, and rule the food chain. Kodiak Island alone hosts over 3,500 Kodiak bears—giants of the bear world. With bears outnumbering people in many areas, Alaska is the place to visit if you’re into bear-spotting—or if you just enjoy sharing salmon with your furry neighbors.
2. California: Golden State, Golden Bears
California boasts a healthy population of around 30,000 to 40,000 black bears, making it second only to Alaska. While the grizzly bear on the state flag no longer roams its lands, black bears have taken over the spotlight. Fun fact: California’s black bears aren’t all black—they come in shades of brown, cinnamon, and even blonde! You’re most likely to spot one in the Sierra Nevada mountains or the northern forests. And yes, these bears enjoy avocados, making them honorary Californians in every way.
3. Maine: Black Bear Central of the East Coast
Maine is home to around 35,000 black bears, the largest population in the eastern United States. These shy, forest-dwelling creatures are most active at dawn and dusk, often spotted foraging for nuts, berries, and insects. Maine’s bears have also developed a taste for agricultural crops like corn, making them an occasional nuisance for farmers. Despite this, they’re a beloved symbol of Maine’s wild beauty and a common sight in the state’s sprawling wood.
4. Washington: Bears in the Evergreen State
With around 25,000 black bears, Washington offers plenty of bear action amid its lush forests and mountains. The Olympic Peninsula is a hotspot, with bears often spotted rummaging for food or climbing trees. Grizzly bears are rare here, but efforts are underway to reintroduce them to the North Cascades. Fun fact: Washington’s black bears have been known to snack on apples from local orchards, proving they’re just as into farm-to-table dining as the state’s human residents.
5. Oregon: Home of the Berry-Loving Bears
Oregon is home to about 25,000 black bears, thriving in the state’s dense forests and mountainous regions. These bears are particularly fond of Oregon’s bountiful berries, often raiding wild bushes during the summer months. While grizzlies are no longer native to Oregon, black bears more than make up for their absence with their playful antics. From the Cascade Mountains to the coastal ranges, these omnivorous adventurers are an integral part of the state’s rich wildlife.
6. North Carolina: Bears of the Blue Ridge
North Carolina is home to over 20,000 black bears, thriving in the Blue Ridge Mountains and the coastal swamps of the eastern part of the state. Black bears here are known for their impressive size, with some tipping the scales at over 700 pounds. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a prime spot for bear sightings, drawing tourists eager to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures. North Carolina’s bears are the ultimate symbol of wild Appalachian beauty.
7. Idaho: Bears of the Gem State
Idaho has an estimated 20,000 black bears roaming its vast wilderness areas. These bears thrive in the state’s national forests, particularly the Selway-Bitterroot and Clearwater regions. Idaho is also part of the grizzly bear recovery area in the lower 48, so grizzlies are occasionally spotted near the Canadian border. Known for their love of fish and berries, Idaho’s bears are natural foodies, feasting on the state’s abundant natural resources.
8. Montana: Big Sky, Bigger Bears
Montana is home to roughly 15,000 black bears and around 1,000 grizzlies, making it a true bear haven. The rugged landscapes of Glacier National Park and the Yellowstone region offer plenty of space for these apex predators to thrive. Montana’s grizzlies are part of the largest contiguous population in the lower 48 states, so spotting one isn’t rare—just don’t forget your bear spray. Whether they’re fishing for trout or munching on berries, Montana’s bears are as iconic as the mountains they roam.
9. Minnesota: The Land of 10,000 Bears
Minnesota’s black bear population is estimated at around 12,000-15,000, concentrated primarily in the northern forests. These adaptable animals are known to wander into suburban areas in search of food, particularly during late summer and fall. Black bears in Minnesota have been observed eating everything from wild berries to garbage, proving they’re resourceful opportunists. Whether lounging in the Boundary Waters or causing a ruckus in someone’s backyard, Minnesota’s bears are equal parts charming and mischievous.
10. Colorado: Black Bears in the Rockies
Colorado is home to about 12,000 black bears, thriving in the Rockies’ forests and foothills. Interestingly, Colorado’s black bears aren’t just black—they come in a variety of colors, including cinnamon and blond. These omnivores love foraging in backyards, raiding bird feeders, and occasionally snacking on trash, making them some of the state’s most adventurous residents. Colorado’s bears prove that even in a state known for skiing and hiking, they’re the real kings of the mountains.
11. Tennessee: Bears in the Smokies
Tennessee’s black bear population is thriving, with around 7,000 bears living in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas. These bears are a favorite among tourists, often seen rummaging for food or climbing trees. Tennessee’s bears have an uncanny ability to charm their human neighbors, even when raiding trash cans or picnic baskets. Their resilience and adaptability make them an integral part of the state’s wildlife, and their popularity shows no signs of waning.
12. Wyoming: Bears of the Wild West
Wyoming is home to around 7,000 black bears and about 700 grizzlies, most of which roam the Yellowstone ecosystem. The state’s bears are famous for their appearances in wildlife documentaries, often starring as fish-catching experts. Yellowstone grizzlies have even been spotted teaching their cubs how to dig for roots or steal carcasses from unsuspecting wolves. Wyoming’s bears are tough, resourceful, and perfectly adapted to the rugged terrain of the Wild West.
13. New York: Surprisingly Bear-y
New York might not be the first place you think of for bears, but the state is home to about 6,000 black bears. These adaptable creatures thrive in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Allegany regions, where they forage for nuts, berries, and the occasional backyard bird feeder. New York’s bears have even been known to wander into suburban areas, proving that they’re not shy about mingling with humans. They’re the ultimate New Yorkers—resilient, opportunistic, and always ready to explore.
14.Nevada: The Bears of the Sierra Nevada
Nevada is home to a growing population of black bears, with an estimated 500-700 bears living in the Sierra Nevada region. These bears frequently cross into California and are known for their foraging skills around Lake Tahoe. Nevada’s bears have adapted well to the semi-arid environment, proving that even in the desert, bears can thrive. With their growing numbers and bold personalities, Nevada’s bears are quickly becoming one of the state’s most intriguing residents.
