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Alaska
100,000
Maine
35,000
California
30,000
Oregon
27,500
Washington
27,500
Idaho
25,000
Wisconsin
24,000
North Carolina
20,000
Virginia
19,000
Michigan
17,000
Colorado
16,000
Pennsylvania
16,000
Montana
15,000
Minnesota
13,500
West Virginia
13,000
New York
7,000
Tennessee
5,750
New Mexico
5,500
Vermont
5,250
Georgia
5,000
New Hampshire
4,900
Massachusetts
4,500
Florida
4,000
Utah
4,000
Arizona
3,000
Arkansas
3,000
New Jersey
3,000
Oklahoma
2,500
Maryland
2,000
South Carolina
1,100
Kentucky
1,000
Missouri
1,000
Connecticut
900
Louisiana
850
Nevada
500
Alabama
200
Ohio
75

Black Bear Population by State 2023

Black Bear Population by State 2023

States Without Black Bears

Currently, there are 37 states where black bears are believed to be alive and thriving. In some states, very few black bears are left - or none at all. For example, in the state of Delaware, black bears originally roamed freely but have since been extirpated. Although black bears are not endangered, the largest cause of concern for their safety is their overpopulation. Black bears are also regularly mistaken for smaller grizzly bears, making them unintended targets for hunting or deterrents. The United States Fish and Wildlife Services currently do not deem this species endangered.

There are also no current sightings of black bears in Hawaii, Illinois,Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. Bears are not native to these states, largely due to the climate. For example, Hawaii is an extremely unique climate that does not mimic the structure of the mainland United States. However, they have one of the largest biodiversity in the state due to their tropical climate and unique position on the ocean.

States With Rare Sightings of Black Bears

Although black bears may not have any activity breeding populations, six states have some sightings of black bears. This means that there may be populations of black bears that number less than 2,000.

The states with few black bears include Ohio, Alabama, Nevada, Louisiana, Connecticut, Kentucky, Missouri, and South Carolina.

It is extremely rare to have sightings of black bears near the south and south-center of the United States. Although they do not enjoy as frigid temperatures as polar bears, black bears live near the north of the country, with many sightings in the northeast and west. The smaller bear, the grizzly, is much more adapted to warmer climates and usually enjoys a more diverse habitat.

States With Many Black Bears

Some states have many black bears in the region, native to the area or not. The chief is Alaska, with the highest number of black bears, estimated to be more than 100,000. Alaska enjoys a colder climate with vast outdoor regions, which black bears enjoy naturally. Their heavy weight, large fat deposits, and thick hair make them better suited for frigid climates, but they do not fare as well in the arctic conditions native to their heavier polar cousins. Alaska also has many laws protecting its wildlife, as the region experiences large open areas that promote biodiversity.

States in the northeast and far west, such as Maine, California, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, enjoy large black bear populations.

Black Bear Population by State 2023

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State
Black Bear Population
Alaska100,000
Maine35,000
California30,000
Oregon27,500
Washington27,500
Idaho25,000
Wisconsin24,000
North Carolina20,000
Virginia19,000
Michigan17,000
Colorado16,000
Pennsylvania16,000
Montana15,000
Minnesota13,500
West Virginia13,000
New York7,000
Tennessee5,750
New Mexico5,500
Vermont5,250
Georgia5,000
New Hampshire4,900
Massachusetts4,500
Florida4,000
Utah4,000
Arizona3,000
Arkansas3,000
New Jersey3,000
Oklahoma2,500
Maryland2,000
South Carolina1,100
Kentucky1,000
Missouri1,000
Connecticut900
Louisiana850
Nevada500
Alabama200
Ohio75
United States463,525
showing: 38 rows

Black Bear Population by State 2023

Sources