Grizzly bears once roamed freely across much of western North America, but today their range has shrunk dramatically.
These magnificent creatures, known for their distinctive shoulder hump and impressive size, now inhabit only a fraction of their historical territory. Despite this reduction, several states still provide sanctuary for these iconic predators, offering hope for their continued survival.
1. Alaska
Alaska remains the last great stronghold for North American grizzlies, with an estimated 30,000 bears thriving across its vast wilderness. The bears feast on salmon runs in Katmai National Park, creating postcard-perfect fishing scenes.
Denali National Park offers another prime habitat where visitors often spot these massive mammals foraging on berries and roots.
2. Wyoming
Yellowstone’s grizzly population has rebounded from fewer than 150 bears in the 1970s to over 700 today. Rangers carefully monitor these resilient creatures as they emerge from hibernation each spring.
Tourists flock to Hayden Valley and Lamar Valley hoping for a glimpse of these powerful animals digging for roots or hunting elk calves.
3. Montana
Montana hosts nearly 1,000 grizzlies, with Glacier National Park serving as their mountain fortress. Bears roam alpine meadows stuffed with huckleberries during summer months.
The Cabinet-Yaak ecosystem offers crucial habitat for a smaller, isolated population. Conservation efforts focus on protecting migration corridors connecting these bears with larger groups.
4. Idaho
Idaho’s rugged Selkirk Mountains and Bitterroot Range provide sanctuary for approximately 50-80 grizzlies. These bears navigate dense forests and steep terrain while foraging for food.
The remote Salmon River country offers pristine habitat where bears can avoid human contact. Conservation groups work tirelessly to maintain wildlife corridors connecting Idaho’s grizzly populations with those in neighboring states.
5. Wyoming
Beyond Yellowstone’s boundaries, Wyoming’s portion of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem spans 6 million acres of prime grizzly habitat. Grand Teton National Park provides crucial territory where bears feast on berries, pine nuts, and occasional elk.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest creates a vital wildlife corridor allowing bears to move between protected areas without human interference.
6. Washington
Washington’s rugged North Cascades might harbor fewer than 10 grizzlies today. Biologists use remote cameras and DNA sampling to track these elusive creatures in this challenging terrain.
Recovery efforts aim to boost this critically endangered population. The North Cascades could potentially support 200 bears if reintroduction programs succeed in bringing more grizzlies to this remote wilderness.
7. Oregon
Oregon’s portion of the Cascade Range historically supported grizzlies until the early 1900s. Wildlife biologists have identified suitable habitat that could sustain approximately 50 bears.
Reintroduction faces challenges from ranchers concerned about livestock. Public education campaigns focus on building support by highlighting the ecological benefits grizzlies bring to forest ecosystems.
8. Utah
Scattered reports suggest grizzlies occasionally venture into Utah’s northern mountains. The last confirmed grizzly was killed in 1923, but recent unverified sightings have sparked excitement among wildlife enthusiasts.
The Wasatch Range contains suitable habitat with abundant berries and prey. Some conservation biologists believe natural migration from Wyoming could eventually reestablish a small population in Utah’s remote corners.
9. Colorado
Colorado’s last confirmed grizzly was killed in 1979 in the San Juan Mountains. Occasional unverified sightings keep hope alive that a few bears might still roam the state’s most remote wilderness areas.
The vast San Juan and Sangre de Cristo ranges offer suitable habitat. Wildlife officials debate whether natural migration or active reintroduction would be more successful in restoring these magnificent animals to Colorado’s ecosystem.
10. California
California’s state flag features a grizzly bear, yet the species has been extinct here since 1924. The Sierra Nevada once supported thousands of these magnificent creatures before gold rush hunters decimated their numbers.
Feasibility studies examine whether portions of the Sierra could support grizzlies again. Wildlife corridors connecting to existing populations would be essential for any successful reintroduction to California’s mountain wilderness.