Grizzly Bear in Maine: What to Know Before You Start Looking
No, grizzly bears are not currently found in Maine. The only bear species in the state is the black bear. If you're hoping to see a grizzly, you'll need to head to the Rocky Mountains or Alaska. However, Maine offers excellent black bear viewing and a rich bear history.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 10, 2026.
- 0
- verified records
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
Only 0 verified observations on iNaturalist of grizzly bear have been logged in Maine, which fits how rare they are in the state. That low number is itself the most honest answer to whether you are likely to see one here.
State
Maine
Animal
Grizzly Bear
Route
State wildlife guide
No, grizzly bears are not currently found in Maine. The only bear species in the state is the black bear. If you're hoping to see a grizzly, you'll need to head to the Rocky Mountains or Alaska. However, Maine offers excellent black bear viewing and a rich bear history.
1. Are Grizzly Bears Found in Maine?
No, grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) have been extirpated from Maine for over a century. The last confirmed grizzly in the state was killed in the 1800s. Today, the only bear species in Maine is the American black bear (Ursus americanus), which is smaller and lacks the distinctive hump of a grizzly.
2. What Was the Historical Range of Grizzly Bears in Maine?
Grizzly bears once roamed across much of North America, including New England. Historical records show they inhabited Maine until the mid-1800s, but habitat loss and hunting eliminated them. Their former range in Maine likely included the northern forests and mountainous regions, but no populations survived.
3. How to Tell a Black Bear from a Grizzly
This is a key skill if you're traveling west where grizzlies exist. Grizzlies have a prominent shoulder hump, a dished face, and longer front claws (about 2-4 inches). Black bears have a straight face, no hump, and shorter claws. In Maine, all bears you see are black bears, but they can be brown or cinnamon colored, so don't rely on color alone.
4. Where to See Bears in Maine Today
The best places to view black bears in Maine are the North Maine Woods, Baxter State Park, and the Moosehead Lake region. These areas have dense forests and abundant food sources. For guided viewing, consider a wildlife tour with registered guides. Check out ourMaine wildlife pagefor more details on specific hotspots.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
5. Best Time of Year for Bear Viewing in Maine
Spring (May-June) and fall (September-October) are the best times. In spring, bears emerge from dens and feed on emerging vegetation. In fall, they enter hyperphagia, feeding heavily on berries and acorns. Dawn and dusk offer the highest activity levels. Visit theGrizzly Bear species pagefor general bear behavior insights that apply to black bears too.
6. One Practical Clue for Beginners: Look for Signs
Instead of looking for the bear itself, start by identifying tracks, scat, and claw marks. Black bear tracks show five toes and a wide palm pad; scat is often full of berries or vegetation. Claw marks on trees are common. This approach teaches you to read the landscape and increases your odds of a sighting. For more beginner tips, head to ourfield guide for Maine wildlife.
7. Essential Safety Tips for Hiking in Bear Country
Carry bear spray (even for black bears), make noise on trails, and store food properly in bear-proof containers. In Maine, black bears are generally shy, but habituated bears can be dangerous. Never run from a bear; back away slowly. Learn more bear safety on ourt-shirts pagewhere we feature bear-themed apparel that also serves as conversation starters.
8. Gear and Gifts for Bear Enthusiasts
If you love bears, Easy Street Markets has you covered. Here are a few top picks:
Grizzly Bear Mug - gift for him - Animal Lover Gift
A sturdy ceramic mug featuring a grizzly bear design. Perfect for morning coffee while planning your next adventure.Check Price and Availability
Vintage 90s Bear Graphic T-Shirt
Soft tri-blend tee with a boho bear graphic. Roam free in style. Great for layering on cool mornings.Check Price and Availability
Forest Animal Sticker Sheet
Die-cut vinyl stickers featuring bear silhouettes and mountains. Waterproof and perfect for decorating gear.Check Price and Availability
Men's Forest Bear Silhouette Graphic T-Shirt
A classic forest bear silhouette tee. Durable and comfortable for everyday wear.Check Price and Availability
9. Frequently Asked Questions About Grizzly Bears in Maine
**Q: Could grizzly bears ever return to Maine?** A: It's unlikely. Grizzly populations are stable in the West, and there are no reintroduction plans for Maine. Black bears fill the niche here.
**Q: Are there any subspecies of grizzly in Maine?** A: No. The only bear in Maine is the black bear. The term "grizzly" is sometimes misused for large black bears, but they are distinct.
**Q: What should I do if I see a bear in Maine?** A: Stay calm, do not run, and make yourself look big. Back away slowly. Report the sighting to local wildlife authorities if the bear shows no fear.
Plan your grizzly bear trip in Maine
Start with live tours near Acadia National Park, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
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Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main grizzly bear viewing area.
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Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best grizzly bear viewing area in Maine.
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Plan your grizzly bear sighting in Maine
There are no verified grizzly bear records for Maine, which fits how uncommon they are here. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Maine
- Acadia National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Saint Croix Island International Historic Site · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Frances Perkins National Monument · Find hotels
- Maine Acadian Culture · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
1. Are Grizzly Bears Found in Maine?+
No, grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) have been extirpated from Maine for over a century. The last confirmed grizzly in the state was killed in the 1800s. Today, the only bear species in Maine is the American black bear (Ursus americanus), which is smaller and lacks the distinctive hump of a grizzly.
2. What Was the Historical Range of Grizzly Bears in Maine?+
Grizzly bears once roamed across much of North America, including New England. Historical records show they inhabited Maine until the mid-1800s, but habitat loss and hunting eliminated them. Their former range in Maine likely included the northern forests and mountainous regions, but no populations survived.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Maine