Grizzly Bear in Maryland: what to know before you start looking
Grizzly bears are not found in Maryland. The only bear species in the state is the American black bear. If you want to see a bear, focus on western Maryland's forests. This guide covers black bear identification, habitat, and best times to spot them.
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 Maryland, 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
Maryland
Animal
Grizzly Bear
Route
State wildlife guide
Grizzly bears are not found in Maryland. The only bear species in the state is the American black bear. If you want to see a bear, focus on western Maryland's forests. This guide covers black bear identification, habitat, and best times to spot them.
1. Is the grizzly bear found in Maryland?
No, grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) are not native to the eastern United States. Maryland's only bear species is the American black bear (Ursus americanus). So if you are looking for a grizzly, you will need to travel west. But if you want to see a bear in Maryland, black bears are your target. Check out ourgrizzly bear pagefor more on their range, and ourMaryland wildlife hubfor local species.
In Maryland, grizzly bear sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to likely habitat. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. Where are the best places to spot black bears in Maryland?
Black bears in Maryland are concentrated in the western part of the state, particularly in Garrett and Allegany counties. Key areas include Savage River State Forest, Deep Creek Lake State Park, and the mountains of western Maryland. They are most active in early morning and late evening. For a full list of bear habitats, visit ourMaryland wildlife page.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around best timing, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Maryland. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
3. What are the key differences between a black bear and a grizzly bear?
A practical clue for beginners: Grizzly bears have a prominent hump on their shoulders and a dish-shaped face, while black bears have a straight face and no shoulder hump. Black bears are also smaller and have shorter claws. In Maryland, you will only encounter black bears. For more identification tips, see ourgrizzly bear identification guide.
See ourGrizzly Bear trunkfor the next step.
4. When is the best time of year to see black bears in Maryland?
Black bears are most visible from spring through fall. They emerge from dens in March or April and are active until November. Summer months offer longer daylight, but early mornings in May and June often provide the best sighting odds.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
5. What should you do if you encounter a black bear in Maryland?
Stay calm, do not run. Make yourself look big, make noise, and back away slowly. Never approach a bear cub. Carry bear spray if hiking in known bear areas. Unlike grizzly encounters, black bears often flee if they sense humans.
6. How can you identify bear signs in Maryland forests?
Look for tracks with five toes and claw marks (but black bear claws are shorter), scat, torn logs, and clawed tree bark. Black bears often leave scratch marks on trees. Learning to read these signs improves your odds of a sighting.
7. Planning a bear watching trip to Maryland
For those planning a trip, consider gear that celebrates your interest. The **Grizzly Bear Mug** (
) is great for morning coffee. The **Vintage 90s Bear Graphic T-Shirt** (
) is a comfortable choice for hikes. And the **Forest Animal Sticker Sheet** (
) lets you decorate your gear. Check out ourbear-themed t-shirtsfor more options.
Check Price and AvailabilityCheck Price and AvailabilityCheck Price and Availability
8. Frequently asked questions about bears in Maryland
**Are there grizzly bears in Maryland?** No, grizzly bears are not found in Maryland. The only bear species is the American black bear.
**What bear species live in Maryland?** The American black bear (Ursus americanus).
**Can I hunt bears in Maryland?** Yes, there is a limited hunting season in some counties. Check Maryland DNR regulations.
**Where can I report a bear sighting?** Contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
**How can I tell a black bear from a grizzly?** Black bears lack a shoulder hump and have a straight face profile. Grizzlies have a pronounced hump and a concave face.
Plan your grizzly bear trip in Maryland
Start with live tours near Antietam National Battlefield, then compare a nearby stay and a broader wildlife backup before you lock in the trip.
GetYourGuide
Live tours nearbySee live tours near Antietam National Battlefield
Use the live GetYourGuide widget to compare local departures and activity styles close to the main grizzly bear viewing area.
Booking.com
Stay nearbyStay near Antietam National Battlefield
Compare hotels, cabins and lodges close to the best grizzly bear viewing area in Maryland.
Viator
Broader backupBook a grizzly bear tour in Maryland
Compare guided wildlife tours, boat trips and nature experiences if you want a second travel network beyond the live widget.
Plan your grizzly bear sighting in Maryland
There are no verified grizzly bear records for Maryland, which fits how uncommon they are here. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Maryland
- Antietam National Battlefield · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Appalachian National Scenic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Assateague Island National Seashore · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Chesapeake Bay · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
1. Is the grizzly bear found in Maryland?+
No, grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) are not native to the eastern United States. Maryland's only bear species is the American black bear (Ursus americanus). So if you are looking for a grizzly, you will need to travel west. But if you want to see a bear in Maryland, black bears are your target. Check out ourgrizzly bear pagefor more on their range, and ourMaryland wildlife hubfor local species. In Maryland, grizzly bear sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to likely habitat. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
2. Where are the best places to spot black bears in Maryland?+
Black bears in Maryland are concentrated in the western part of the state, particularly in Garrett and Allegany counties. Key areas include Savage River State Forest, Deep Creek Lake State Park, and the mountains of western Maryland. They are most active in early morning and late evening. For a full list of bear habitats, visit ourMaryland wildlife page. Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around best timing, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Maryland. If movement slows, stay longer at one promising spot, listen for calls or watch for edge movement, and reset around weather, light, water, or feeding changes instead of jumping to a totally new area too early.
3. What are the key differences between a black bear and a grizzly bear?+
A practical clue for beginners: Grizzly bears have a prominent hump on their shoulders and a dish-shaped face, while black bears have a straight face and no shoulder hump. Black bears are also smaller and have shorter claws. In Maryland, you will only encounter black bears. For more identification tips, see ourgrizzly bear identification guide. See ourGrizzly Bear trunkfor the next step.
4. When is the best time of year to see black bears in Maryland?+
Black bears are most visible from spring through fall. They emerge from dens in March or April and are active until November. Summer months offer longer daylight, but early mornings in May and June often provide the best sighting odds. See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
5. What should you do if you encounter a black bear in Maryland?+
Stay calm, do not run. Make yourself look big, make noise, and back away slowly. Never approach a bear cub. Carry bear spray if hiking in known bear areas. Unlike grizzly encounters, black bears often flee if they sense humans.
6. How can you identify bear signs in Maryland forests?+
Look for tracks with five toes and claw marks (but black bear claws are shorter), scat, torn logs, and clawed tree bark. Black bears often leave scratch marks on trees. Learning to read these signs improves your odds of a sighting.
Keep exploring
More wildlife in Maryland