North America is home to an estimated 55,000 grizzly bears, with the majority residing in Canada and Alaska. The United States accounts for around 33,000 grizzlies, with over 30,000 living in Alaska alone. In the lower 48 states, grizzly bear populations are much smaller, totaling just over 1,900 bears across four states: Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington. These populations are concentrated in protected areas and surrounding wilderness, where conservation efforts continue to play a critical role in their survival.
This article explores the grizzly bear population in the five U.S. states where they still live and breed, along with details on their historical range, the reasons for their decline, and ongoing efforts to protect this iconic species.
Grizzly Bear Population in 5 States
There are only 5 states in the U.S. where grizzly bears currently live and breed: Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington. These states provide the necessary wilderness and resources for grizzlies to survive, though their populations and habitats vary widely between them.
| State | Estimated Grizzly Bear Population | Primary Habitats | Conservation Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | Over 30,000 | Statewide, including forests, tundra, and coastal areas | Stable population; managed through regulated hunting and habitat conservation |
| Montana | ~ 2,000 | Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone ecosystems | Listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act; ongoing recovery efforts |
| Wyoming | ~ 1000 | Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, primarily in Yellowstone National Park | Listed as threatened; conservation programs focus on reducing human-bear conflicts |
| Idaho | Fewer than 100 | Selkirk Mountains and Cabinet-Yaak ecosystem in northern Idaho | Listed as threatened; small, fragmented populations with active monitoring |
| Washington | Fewer than 10 | North Cascades ecosystem in north-central Washington | Listed as threatened; minimal population with reintroduction efforts under consideration |
1. Alaska
Population estimate: Over 30,000 grizzly bears
As shown in the above table, Alaska has the largest population of grizzly bears in the United States, accounting for over half of the total population in North America. Grizzlies in Alaska are widespread, inhabiting forests, tundra, and coastal areas. They thrive in a variety of ecosystems, benefiting from vast wilderness and abundant food sources like salmon, berries, and small mammals. Unlike grizzlies in the lower 48 states, Alaska’s bears face relatively fewer threats from habitat loss or human activity due to the state’s expansive and undeveloped landscapes.
Recent studies suggest that Alaska’s grizzly bear populations are stable and well-distributed, with no significant declines reported in recent decades. The Kodiak brown bear, a subspecies of the grizzly, is also found exclusively on Kodiak Island, further highlighting Alaska’s importance as a stronghold for these bears. Wildlife managers continue to monitor populations, focusing on maintaining healthy ecosystems that support grizzlies’ diverse dietary and habitat needs.
2. Montana
Population estimate: Approximately 2,000 grizzly bears
Montana is home to one of the largest grizzly populations in the lower 48 states. These bears primarily reside in the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem, which includes Glacier National Park, and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which overlaps with Wyoming and Idaho. These areas provide grizzlies with access to large tracts of wilderness and diverse food sources, such as roots, nuts, insects, and ungulates.
Montana’s grizzly population has shown signs of recovery due to decades of conservation efforts, including habitat restoration and federal protections under the Endangered Species Act. However, human-bear conflicts remain a concern, especially as bears expand into areas near human settlements. Wildlife officials actively work on coexistence strategies, such as electric fencing and education programs, to reduce such conflicts.
3. Wyoming
Population estimate: Around 1000 grizzly bears
Wyoming’s grizzly bears are primarily concentrated in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, a critical habitat spanning parts of northwestern Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. These bears are well-known for their role in Yellowstone National Park, where they are a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts. Outside the park, they inhabit surrounding wilderness areas, relying on rich ecosystems to meet their dietary needs.
Wyoming’s grizzly population has recovered significantly since being listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Studies show that the bears have expanded their range beyond Yellowstone, leading to increased interactions with ranchers and outdoor recreationists. Despite these challenges, Wyoming remains committed to managing its grizzly population through ongoing monitoring, habitat conservation, and conflict mitigation efforts.
4. Idaho
Population estimate: Fewer than 100 grizzly bears
Idaho’s grizzly population is small and fragmented, primarily residing in the Selkirk Mountains and the Cabinet-Yaak ecosystem in the northern part of the state. These areas, which also extend into Montana and Washington, provide dense forest cover and access to critical food sources like huckleberries and deer.
Despite their low numbers, Idaho’s grizzlies have shown some signs of stability due to cooperative conservation efforts between state agencies and local stakeholders. However, their isolated populations make them vulnerable to inbreeding and other genetic challenges. Recovery efforts continue to focus on habitat connectivity and reducing human-caused mortality, which remains a major threat in the region.
5. Washington
Population estimate: Fewer than 10 grizzly bears
Grizzly bears in Washington are on the brink of extirpation, with only a handful of individuals remaining in the North Cascades ecosystem. This region is designated as a recovery zone under federal conservation plans, but natural recolonization has been slow, and reproduction is extremely limited.
In recent years, efforts to reintroduce grizzly bears to the North Cascades have faced public and political challenges, delaying progress. Despite these obstacles, conservation groups and government agencies continue to advocate for recovery programs that could establish a viable breeding population in the state. Washington’s grizzly bears remain a symbol of the challenges and complexities of restoring endangered species in modern landscapes.
States Where Grizzly Bears Used to Live
Grizzly bears once roamed across most of the western United States, with a range stretching from the Great Plains to the Pacific Coast and as far south as Texas and Mexico. Habitat loss, hunting, and human expansion led to their extirpation from many states by the early 20th century.
Below is a list of states and regions where grizzly bears were historically found, along with some details about when and why they disappeared from the area.
California
Grizzly bears were a prominent symbol of California’s wilderness and were even featured on the state flag. However, they were eliminated from the area by the 1920s due to aggressive hunting and habitat destruction as the state’s population grew. California’s grizzlies were particularly notable for their large size and adaptability, thriving in the coastal ranges and the Sierra Nevada.
Colorado
Grizzlies were extirpated from Colorado by the 1950s, though the last confirmed sighting occurred in 1979 when a hunter encountered and killed a grizzly bear in the San Juan Mountains. Historically, these bears inhabited the Rocky Mountains and adjacent plains, relying on abundant prey and forest cover.
Utah
Grizzly bears disappeared from Utah in the early 20th century, with the last confirmed sighting occurring in the 1920s. They were once widespread across the Wasatch and Uinta mountain ranges, where they thrived in forests and alpine meadows.
Texas
Grizzly bears were found in the western parts of Texas, particularly in the Guadalupe Mountains. However, their populations here were totally wiped out by the late 19th century as settlers expanded westward. Their presence in Texas highlighted their adaptability to arid and rugged terrains.
Arizona and New Mexico
Grizzlies once inhabited the mountainous regions of Arizona and New Mexico, including the Mogollon Rim and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. They were eradicated by the early 1900s, with the last confirmed sighting in Arizona occurring in 1935. This decline was driven by extensive hunting and habitat loss as settlers expanded into these regions, clearing forests and developing the land for agriculture and livestock.
The Great Plains States
Grizzly bears were historically found across much of the Great Plains, from Kansas and Nebraska to the Dakotas and eastern Montana. As settlers expanded and bison populations were decimated, grizzlies lost their primary food source and were pushed westward. By the late 1800s, they were largely extirpated from the plains.
Pacific Northwest States
Grizzly bears once ranged across Oregon and California’s northern coastlines, thriving in dense forests and river valleys. They disappeared from Oregon by the early 20th century as logging, hunting, and urbanization destroyed their habitat.
Conclusion
Grizzly bears, once widespread across much of the western United States, now live and breed in only five states: Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington. While Alaska holds the majority of the population, grizzlies in the lower 48 survive in small, protected ecosystems thanks to conservation efforts.
Their decline from many states highlights the impact of habitat loss and human activity, but ongoing protection and management are crucial to preserving their role in the environment. Understanding their current and historical range emphasizes the need for continued action to ensure their survival.
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