Across forests, mountains, and even the occasional trash bin, bears roam wild in several U.S. states. If you’re hoping to spot one of these furry freeloaders in their natural habitat (from a safe distance, please), you’re in luck: bear populations have been booming. From the salmon-slapping grizzlies of Alaska to the ever-curious black bears of North Carolina, these creatures are thriving—and occasionally photobombing your campsite. So, grab your hiking boots, bear spray (just in case), and your best whisper voice. Here are the top 10 U.S. states where you’re most likely to bump into a bear—and live to tell the tale.
1. Alaska
If bears had a capital city, it’d be Alaska. The state is practically one giant bear sanctuary. You’ll find black bears, brown (grizzly) bears, and polar bears up here. In fact, Alaska is the only U.S. state with all three. The numbers are wild: around 100,000 black bears and 30,000 brown bears roam freely, often showing up in places like Katmai, Denali, and even coastal fishing towns. Don’t be surprised if you spot one chasing salmon, snoozing in the sun, or casually crossing a road. Bears in Alaska aren’t rare—they’re your not-so-near neighbors. So if you want the full wild bear experience? This is the place to go.
2. Montana
Montana doesn’t mess around when it comes to wildlife, especially bears. This is grizzly bear HQ for the Lower 48, with over 1,000 roaming the state’s mountainous wilds, plus tens of thousands of black bears doing their thing. Glacier National Park is a prime bear-viewing zone (also, bring a zoom lens and nerves of steel). Montanans are bear-savvy by necessity: bear-proof trash bins, bear spray in backpacks, and plenty of “don’t poke the wildlife” signs. Whether you’re hiking in the Absarokas or fly fishing in bear country, odds are good you’ll have a fuzzy spectator nearby. Montana is rugged, raw, and just the right amount of terrifying—in the best possible way.
3. California
California isn’t just avocado toast and movie stars—it’s also home to more than 25,000 black bears. From the forests of the Sierra Nevada to the rugged Northern Coast, these bears are living their best lives. Thanks to conservation wins and habitat protections, bear numbers here have grown significantly in the past few decades. Want a chance at a bear sighting? Try Yosemite (but don’t feed them) or Sequoia National Park. They’ve been known to wander into towns, rummage through coolers, and pop into backyard pools. In other words, they’re very Californian: opportunistic, outdoorsy, and not afraid to show up uninvited.
4. North Carolina
Believe it or not, North Carolina is a bear hotbed. The state’s black bear population has surged past 8,000 in recent years, and in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park alone, there’s estimated to be two bears per square mile. Translation? If you don’t spot one, it’s probably spotting you. These bears are generally chill but very much around—crossing roads, crashing hikes, and sometimes starring in your trail cam footage. Eastern North Carolina also has some of the largest black bears in the U.S. Thanks to plenty of protected land and a steady food supply, the Tar Heel State is a surprise superstar for bear watchers.
5. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is lowkey stacked with black bears—somewhere between 16,000 to 18,000 and climbing. While the northern forests are their stronghold, sightings are becoming more frequent in suburban backyards and even busy towns. People have spotted bears napping in trees, wandering across highways, and casually raiding bird feeders. With large stretches of protected forests, like those in the Poconos and Allegheny Mountains, it’s no wonder bears are thriving. And the Pennsylvania Game Commission has helped build one of the best bear conservation programs in the U.S. TL;DR: if you live in PA, you might want to keep an eye on your trash can. It’s probably famous on bear TikTok.
6. Michigan
Michigan is all about black bears, especially in its rugged, forest-dense Upper Peninsula. Of the 15,000–19,000 bears in the state, nearly all of them are UP locals, living life between the pines and Lake Superior views. But don’t count out the Lower Peninsula just yet—bear sightings have increased there too. The state’s mixed hardwood forests and berry-laden clearings make for excellent bear real estate. You’ll want to visit places like the Hiawatha or Ottawa National Forest for your best shot at a sighting. And remember: Michigan bears are not shy about crossing roads, sniffing out campers, or stealing your lunch if you leave it unguarded.
7. Wisconsin
Wisconsin isn’t all cheese and Packers—it’s also black bear central. The population has topped 24,000 and is spreading south. Historically found mostly in the northern counties, bears are now regularly showing up in the central and even southern parts of the state. Campers have reported close encounters in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, and there are entire local Facebook groups dedicated to “Bear Watch 2025.” Thanks to thriving woodlands and a conservation-minded public, bears are flourishing. They’re even becoming part of the cultural landscape—just maybe don’t leave your bratwurst unattended at the next summer BBQ. You will get a gatecrasher.
8. Washington
With 25,000–30,000 black bears (and a few grizzlies hanging on in the North Cascades), Washington is a bear-lover’s paradise. The lush Olympic Peninsula, dense rainforests, and glacier-carved valleys give these guys plenty of cover—and plenty of snacks. Most sightings happen in the Cascades and northern forests, though backyard encounters aren’t uncommon near wooded suburbs. Washington’s bear policies emphasize coexistence: secure your trash, don’t leave dog food outside, and whatever you do, don’t try to selfie with a bear. They’re not influencers, they’re apex omnivores. Respect the bear, respect the forest, and you might just get the bear sighting of a lifetime.
Bears Are Booming
Bear sightings in the U.S. are more common than ever—and that’s not just a cute trivia fact. It’s a sign that conservation efforts are actually working. Bears are rebounding, expanding their territories, and sometimes showing up where we least expect them. Whether you’re hiking the Rockies or chilling in your North Carolina backyard, chances are there’s a bear closer than you think. But let’s keep this comeback safe: know the rules, keep your food locked, and observe from afar. Bears are beautiful, wild, and absolutely not here for your selfie content. Respect them, and they’ll (probably) respect your campsite.
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