The American black bear’s range is as diverse as its habitats, spanning forests, mountains, and swamps in 37 states. With a population of 479,490, their numbers vary from a staggering 100,000 in Alaska to fewer than 10 in Rhode Island.
Some states celebrate successful conservation efforts, while others see only rare sightings. Here’s how black bears are faring in every state, showing the challenges and triumphs of conserving one of America’s most iconic mammals.
1. Alabama
Population: 200
Alabama’s black bear population is small but growing. Once nearly extinct in the state, conservation efforts have helped these bears make a comeback. They’re primarily found in the northeast and southwest corners of Alabama, with occasional sightings in other areas.
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2. Alaska
Population: 100,000
Alaska boasts the largest black bear population in the United States. These bears thrive in the state’s vast forests and tundra. Alaskan black bears are often larger than their southern counterparts due to the abundance of food sources, including salmon.
3. Arizona
Population: 2,500
Arizona’s black bears inhabit the state’s mountainous regions and forests. They face challenges from habitat loss and human encroachment. The Arizona Game and Fish Department closely monitors the population to ensure its sustainability.
4. Arkansas
Population: 5,000
Arkansas’s black bears are now found primarily in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. They have made a remarkable recovery since the 1950s, when they were almost extinct in the state. Now, Arkansas has become a model for successful bear conservation efforts.
5. California
Population: 35,000
California’s black bear population has more than doubled since the 1980s. These bears inhabit a variety of ecosystems, from coastal areas to high mountain ranges. The state’s diverse habitats provide ample food and shelter for its thriving bear population.
6. Colorado
Population: 18,500
Colorado’s black bears are found throughout the state’s forested areas. They’ve adapted well to living near human populations, sometimes leading to conflicts. Colorado Parks and Wildlife actively works to educate residents about bear-safe practices.
7. Connecticut
Population: 1,100
Connecticut’s black bear population has been steadily increasing since the 1980s. Most bears are found in the northwestern part of the state. As their numbers grow, bears are expanding into more suburban areas, leading to increased human-bear interactions.
8. Delaware
Population: 0
Delaware currently has no established black bear population. However, occasional sightings have been reported, likely from bears wandering in from neighboring states. The state’s Department of Natural Resources monitors these rare occurrences.
9. Florida
Population: 4,050
Florida’s black bears have rebounded significantly since being listed as a threatened species in 1974. They’re now found in eight distinct subpopulations throughout the state. Florida’s unique habitats, including swamps and scrublands, provide diverse food sources for these bears.
10. Georgia
Population: 5,100
Georgia’s black bears are primarily found in the north Georgia mountains, middle Georgia’s Ocmulgee River drainage system, and the Okefenokee Swamp. The state’s varied landscapes offer ideal habitats for these adaptable creatures.
11. Hawaii
Population: 0
Hawaii has no native bear species. The islands’ isolation and tropical climate are unsuitable for black bears. Wildlife enthusiasts in Hawaii must look to other unique native species for their nature fix.
12. Idaho
Population: 30,000
Idaho’s rugged terrain and vast forests provide excellent habitat for black bears. They’re found throughout the state’s mountainous regions. Idaho’s bear population is considered stable and healthy, with hunting carefully managed to maintain balance.
13. Illinois
Population: 0
Illinois currently has no established black bear population. However, occasional sightings have occurred in recent years, suggesting bears may be slowly returning to the state. Wildlife officials are monitoring these developments closely.
14. Indiana
Population: 0
Indiana does not have a resident black bear population. Rare sightings have been reported, likely from bears wandering in from neighboring states. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is prepared for the potential return of bears to the state.
15. Iowa
Population: 0
Iowa does not currently have a breeding population of black bears. Occasional bear sightings are reported, typically in the northeastern part of the state. These are usually young males wandering from established populations in neighboring states.
16. Kansas
Population: 0
Kansas does not have a resident black bear population. The state’s habitat is generally unsuitable for bears, though rare sightings have occurred. These are typically bears passing through from neighboring states with established populations.
17. Kentucky
Population: 1,000
Kentucky’s black bear population has been steadily growing since the late 1980s. They’re primarily found in the eastern part of the state, particularly in and around the Daniel Boone National Forest. Kentucky’s bear management program focuses on maintaining a healthy, sustainable population.
18. Louisiana
Population: 1,200
Louisiana’s black bears have made a remarkable recovery since being listed as endangered in 1992. They were removed from the endangered species list in 2016. The bears are found primarily in the forested regions of east Texas, southern Arkansas, and Louisiana.
19. Maine
Population: 35,000
Maine boasts one of the largest black bear populations in the lower 48 states. The state’s vast forests provide an ideal habitat for these animals. Maine’s bear management program is considered one of the most comprehensive in the nation.
20. Maryland
Population: 2,000
Maryland’s black bear population is concentrated in the western part of the state. After being nearly extirpated in the early 1900s, careful management has allowed the population to recover. Maryland now has a limited bear hunting season to help manage the growing population.
21. Massachusetts
Population: 5,000
Massachusetts has seen a significant increase in its black bear population over the past few decades. Bears are primarily found in the western and central parts of the state. As their numbers grow, bears are increasingly venturing into suburban areas.
22. Michigan
Population: 12,000
Michigan’s black bears are primarily found in the northern part of the state, including the Upper Peninsula. The state’s diverse forests provide excellent habitat for bears. Michigan carefully manages its bear population through regulated hunting seasons.
23. Minnesota
Population: 15,500
Minnesota’s black bear population is one of the largest in the lower 48 states. Bears are found primarily in the forested regions of northern Minnesota. The state’s Department of Natural Resources conducts extensive research to ensure sustainable management of the bear population.
24. Mississippi
Population: 150
Mississippi’s black bear population is small but growing. Bears are found primarily in the Delta region and along the Mississippi River. Conservation efforts are underway to help the population recover from near-extinction in the state.
25. Missouri
Population: 800
Missouri’s black bear population has been steadily increasing in recent years. Bears are primarily found in the southern part of the state, particularly in the Ozark Mountains. Missouri held its first bear hunting season in 2021 after careful population monitoring.
26. Montana
Population: 13,000
Montana’s diverse landscapes provide excellent habitat for black bears. They’re found throughout the state’s forested regions. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks actively manage the bear population to minimize human-bear conflicts while maintaining a healthy population.
27. Nebraska
Population: 0
Nebraska does not have a resident black bear population. However, occasional sightings have been reported in recent years, particularly in the western part of the state. These are likely bears wandering from established populations in neighboring states.
28. Nevada
Population: 600
Nevada’s black bear population is relatively small and concentrated in the western part of the state. Most bears are found in the Lake Tahoe Basin and surrounding mountain ranges. Nevada’s Department of Wildlife closely monitors the population to ensure its sustainability.
29. New Hampshire
Population: 5,600
New Hampshire’s black bear population has been steadily growing. Bears are found throughout the state, with the highest densities in the north and west. The state’s diverse forests provide excellent habitat for these adaptable creatures.
30. New Jersey
Population: 3,158
New Jersey has one of the highest black bear densities in the nation. Bears are found primarily in the northwestern part of the state. New Jersey’s bear management program has been the subject of much debate due to the high bear population in a densely populated state.
31. New Mexico
Population: 5,500
New Mexico’s black bears inhabit the state’s forested mountain ranges. They face challenges from habitat loss and drought conditions. The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish actively manages the population to ensure its long-term survival.
32. New York
Population: 7,000
New York’s black bear population has been expanding its range in recent years. Bears are found primarily in the Adirondacks, Catskills, and Allegany regions. As their numbers grow, bears are increasingly venturing into more populated areas.
33. North Carolina
Population: 20,000
North Carolina has a thriving black bear population, with bears found in both the mountains and coastal regions. The state is home to some of the largest black bears on record. North Carolina’s bear management program focuses on maintaining a balance between bear populations and human needs.
34. North Dakota
Population: 0
North Dakota does not have a resident black bear population. Occasional sightings have been reported, likely from bears wandering in from neighboring states or Canada. The state’s Game and Fish Department monitors these rare occurrences.
35. Ohio
Population: 75
Ohio’s black bear population is small but growing. Bears are primarily found in the eastern and southern parts of the state. As the population increases, Ohio’s Division of Wildlife is developing management strategies to address potential human-bear conflicts.
36. Oklahoma
Population: 2,000
Oklahoma’s black bear population has made a remarkable comeback since reintroduction efforts began in the 1990s. Bears are primarily found in the eastern part of the state. Oklahoma now has a limited bear hunting season to help manage the growing population.
37. Oregon
Population: 27,500
Oregon’s diverse habitats support a healthy black bear population. Bears are found throughout the state’s forested regions, from the Coast Range to the Cascades. Oregon’s Department of Fish and Wildlife carefully manages the population to ensure its long-term sustainability.
38. Pennsylvania
Population: 20,000
Pennsylvania has one of the largest black bear populations in the northeastern United States. Bears are found throughout the state, with the highest densities in the northcentral region. Pennsylvania’s Game Commission conducts extensive research to inform its bear management strategies.
39. Rhode Island
Population: 7
Rhode Island has a very small, relatively new black bear population. Bears have only recently begun to establish themselves in the state, primarily in the northwest. Wildlife officials are closely monitoring this emerging population.
40. South Carolina
Population: 1,125
South Carolina’s black bears are found primarily in the mountains and coastal regions. The population has been growing steadily in recent years. South Carolina’s Department of Natural Resources works to educate residents about coexisting with bears as their range expands.
41. South Dakota
Population: 0
South Dakota does not have a resident black bear population. Occasional sightings have been reported, typically in the Black Hills region. These are likely bears wandering from established populations in neighboring states.
42. Tennessee
Population: 5,500
Tennessee’s black bear population is concentrated in the eastern part of the state, particularly in the Great Smoky Mountains. The population has been growing steadily, leading to increased bear sightings in more populated areas. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency actively manages the population to minimize human-bear conflicts.
43. Texas
Population: 75
Texas has a small but growing black bear population, primarily in the western and eastern parts of the state. Bears are slowly recolonizing their historic range in Texas. The state’s Parks and Wildlife Department is developing management strategies as the population increases.
44. Utah
Population: 4,000
Utah’s black bears inhabit the state’s mountainous regions and forests. The population has been stable in recent years. Utah’s Division of Wildlife Resources actively manages bears to minimize conflicts with humans while maintaining a healthy population.
45. Vermont
Population: 7,750
Vermont’s black bear population has been steadily increasing. Bears are found throughout the state, with the highest densities in the Green Mountains. Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department works to educate residents about living responsibly in bear country.
46. Virginia
Population: 18,000
Virginia’s black bear population is thriving, with bears found in nearly every county. The state’s diverse habitats, from the Appalachian Mountains to the coastal plain, support a healthy bear population. Virginia carefully manages its bears through regulated hunting and extensive research.
47. Washington
Population: 27,500
Washington’s varied landscapes provide excellent habitat for black bears. They’re found throughout the state’s forested regions, from the Olympic Peninsula to the Cascade Mountains. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife actively manages the population to ensure its long-term sustainability.
48. West Virginia
Population: 13,000
West Virginia’s rugged terrain and extensive forests support a robust black bear population. Bears are found throughout the state, with the highest densities in the eastern mountains. West Virginia’s bear management program is considered one of the most successful in the eastern United States.
49. Wisconsin
Population: 24,000
Wisconsin’s black bear population has been steadily growing. Bears are primarily found in the northern third of the state, though their range is expanding southward. Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources carefully manages the population through regulated hunting and extensive monitoring.
50. Wyoming
Population: 0
Wyoming’s black bear population isn’t officially counted but thrives in mountainous regions. Management focuses more on grizzly bears, while black bears are overseen as part of broader wildlife efforts.
Tailored strategies and ongoing research are crucial to balancing human needs with bear conservation, ensuring these iconic animals remain part of America’s wildlife heritage.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.