Are There Bears in Maryland?

American Black Bears occupy the high forests and mountains of western Maryland, concentrated in Garrett and Allegany counties. Their range centers on the Appalachian plateau, where deciduous forests provide shelter and abundant food sources. Over the past 30 years, bears have gradually expanded eastward and southward into Washington, Frederick, and Carroll counties. They prefer areas with dense tree cover, stream valleys, and minimal human development, but they increasingly venture into suburban woods near towns. Sightings near populated areas have risen as both bear populations and human settlement expand into overlapping zones. The bear population in Maryland remains modest compared to neighboring states, but it is healthy and growing.

Black bears are most visible from May through August, with peak activity in June and July. After emerging from winter dens in March and April, hungry bears roam widely to find food. Spring bears are often thinner and more desperate, making them slightly more likely to approach human areas. Summer brings abundant natural food (berries, insects, vegetation), so bears typically stay in deep forests during this season, though sightings still occur. Activity tapers in September and October as bears focus on fattening for winter. Winter dormancy is not true hibernation but a deep torpor, during which bears remain mostly in dens, though occasional tracks can be found even in cold months if weather is mild.

Only one species of bear is found in wild Maryland: the American Black Bear (Ursus americanus). Despite their name, black bears range widely in color from jet black to cinnamon brown, and even occasional blonde individuals occur. Maryland's 349 recorded observations are all of American Black Bears. No brown bears, polar bears, or other species occur wild in the state. Black bears are the smallest bear species in North America and are far less aggressive than their reputation suggests. They are omnivores, eating a diet of plants, insects, small animals, and carrion, with a strong preference for vegetable matter.

American Black Bears are naturally cautious around humans and rarely attack. Most encounters end with the bear fleeing before people even see it. Between 2010 and 2024, Maryland recorded zero fatal bear attacks and only a handful of minor injuries, all from bears that felt cornered or surprised at close range. The risk of harm from a bear in Maryland is vanishingly small compared to vehicle strikes, falls, or bee stings. Most attacks occur when bears are surprised at a food source, when a mother defends cubs, or when people approach a bear for photographs. The best defense is awareness: make noise while hiking, never approach cubs or a bear eating, store food securely, and back away slowly if you encounter a bear. Playing dead (lying face-down) is the recommended response to a defensive encounter, which is exceedingly rare in Maryland.

Yes, black bears in Maryland increasingly raid garbage cans, compost piles, and bird feeders, especially in areas bordering forested habitat. A single source of human food can teach a bear to return repeatedly, creating a public safety problem and ultimately a danger to the bear. Once habituated to human foods, problem bears often must be destroyed. Homeowners in bear country should use bear-proof trash canisters, remove bird feeders in May through October, and secure compost piles. Entering homes is rare but can happen if doors or windows are left open and food smells strong inside. Bears are intelligent and persistent problem-solvers; prevention is far more effective than confrontation. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers free guidance on bear-proofing homes and provides lists of bear-resistant products.

Yes, bears are protected under Maryland law. Hunting bears is illegal in most of the state, with the exception of a limited and carefully regulated archery-only season in Garrett and Allegany counties, typically held in the fall. This season is designed to monitor and manage bear populations and is only opened when surveys show populations can sustain a harvest. Killing a bear in self-defense is legal if the bear poses an immediate threat to human life or safety, but such situations are exceptionally rare. Trapping, poisoning, or otherwise harming a bear outside of the legal hunting season is a criminal offense. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources maintains detailed regulations and publishes updates to bear season status online.

Exact population numbers are difficult to estimate, but wildlife biologists believe Maryland's black bear population is in the low hundreds, with most concentrated in Garrett and Allegany counties. Neighboring Pennsylvania has over 20,000 bears, and West Virginia has roughly 10,000 to 12,000, so Maryland's population is much smaller but growing steadily. Population surveys use a combination of sightings reports, photo traps, DNA sampling from hair snares, and mark-recapture methods to estimate trends. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources publishes population assessments roughly every five years. The key finding across the past three decades is consistent growth and range expansion, suggesting that Maryland's bear population has recovered from near-total loss and will likely continue to increase.

If you encounter a bear, the best action is to calmly move away and give it space. Do not run (bears are faster than humans), do not approach to photograph it, and do not corner it against a building or vehicle. Make noise, back away slowly, and retreat indoors if you are near a building. If a bear stands on hind legs, it is usually trying to smell better, not posturing for attack. If it approaches, make yourself appear larger, speak in calm firm tones, and continue backing away. Most bears will leave on their own if given the opportunity. Contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources if a bear enters your home, spends extended time near occupied buildings, or shows no fear of humans, as such bears may need to be removed. For general wildlife information, visit the department's website or call their wildlife hotline.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources maintains a comprehensive bear page with population data, regulations, tips for coexistence, and updates on recent sightings. The Appalachian Bear Center (based in West Virginia) publishes research and outreach materials covering the entire region's bear recovery. iNaturalist users in Maryland contribute observations of bears and other wildlife, creating a real-time map of sightings you can browse. Local hiking and nature clubs often host talks on wildlife safety and bear ecology. The book "Living with Black Bears" by Lynn Rogers offers scientifically grounded and readable information on bear behavior. To explore Maryland wildlife beyond bears, visit the state wildlife page for profiles of all common species and guides to the best observation locations.