Types of Bear in Montana
Quick Answer: Montana is home to two types of bears: black bears and grizzly bears. Black bears are more widespread and found in forested areas across the state. Grizzlies are concentrated in the northern and western regions, especially around Glacier and Yellowstone. Start your identification by looking for the hump on the shoulders, a key grizzly feature.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 7, 2026.
Montana has one established type of bear: the American Black Bear. Below are the related species here that people most often mistake for it.
- 1
- species recorded
- July, August, June
- peak months
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,470 verified observations on iNaturalist of bear have been recorded in Montana, most often in July, August, June.
Quick Answer: Montana is home to two types of bears: black bears and grizzly bears. Black bears are more widespread and found in forested areas across the state. Grizzlies are concentrated in the northern and western regions, especially around Glacier and Yellowstone. Start your identification by looking for the hump on the shoulders, a key grizzly feature.
What types of bears live in Montana?
Montana hosts two bear species: the American black bear (Ursus americanus) and the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis). Black bears are smaller and more numerous, while grizzlies are larger with a distinctive shoulder hump. No other bear species regularly occur here. For more on bear identification, check ourbear page.
In Montana, bears sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. 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.
How can you tell a black bear from a grizzly bear?
Start with the shoulder hump: grizzlies have a prominent hump, black bears do not. Also check the ear shape: grizzly ears are short and rounded, black bears have taller, more pointed ears. Face shape: grizzlies have a dished or concave face, black bears have a straight profile. These features help separate the two most likely species you'll encounter.
Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Montana. 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.
Where are black bears most often seen in Montana?
Black bears are common in all forested regions, from the Rocky Mountains to the eastern river breaks. Good spots include the Kootenai National Forest and the Bitterroot Valley. They often wander near agricultural areas and river corridors. You have the best odds of seeing them in mixed woodlands.
See ourBears typesfor the next step.
Where are grizzly bears most often seen in Montana?
Grizzlies are mostly found in the northern and western parts of the state. Prime areas include Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and the Yellowstone ecosystem. They prefer open meadows, alpine tundra, and river valleys. Start your search in these remote areas for the best chance of a sighting.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best time of year to spot bears in Montana?
Spring (May-June) is ideal as bears emerge from hibernation and feed on new growth. Fall (September-October) is also good as they feed heavily before winter. Summer sightings are possible but bears are more dispersed. Check ourMontana wildlife pagefor seasonal tips.
What are the best places to plan a bear viewing trip?
Use the interactive tool above to find top bear viewing spots and lodges in Montana.
Show your appreciation for Montana's bears with gear from Easy Street Markets
Grab some bear-themed gear to remember your sightings. We've picked a few top items to get you started.
Grizzly Bear Mug
A durable ceramic mug featuring a mama grizzly and cub design. Perfect for your morning coffee while you plan your next outing.Check Price and Availability
Vintage 90s Bear Graphic T-Shirt
Roam free in the outdoors with this funky Boho Bear graphic tee from Wild Tribute. This incredibly soft shirt is made out of a tri-blend of quality materials.Check Price and Availability
Forest Animal Sticker Sheet
Die-cut vinyl bear and mountain silhouette sticker. Waterproof and weatherproof.Check Price and Availability
Browse more bear designs in ourt-shirts,mugs, andstickerscollections.
Frequently asked questions about bears in Montana
**Are brown bears the same as grizzly bears?** Yes, brown bears and grizzly bears are the same species. Grizzly is the name used for inland populations.
**Do black bears ever have brown fur?** Yes, black bears can be black, brown, cinnamon, or even blonde in color. Color alone is not reliable for identification.
**Is it safe to hike in bear country?** With proper precautions like making noise and carrying bear spray, hiking is safe. Give bears plenty of space.
**Which bear species is more aggressive?** Grizzlies are typically more defensive, but both species can be dangerous if surprised or threatened.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Conservation status, source NatureServe
Conservation rank for bear (American Black Bear, Ursus americanus), as assessed by NatureServe Explorer.
| Scope | NatureServe rank | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| In Montana | S5 | Secure |
| Global (rangewide) | G5 | Secure |
NatureServe ranks run from 1 (critically imperiled) to 5 (secure). See our data methodology for how this is sourced.
Frequently asked questions
What types of bears live in Montana?+
Montana hosts two bear species: the American black bear (Ursus americanus) and the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis). Black bears are smaller and more numerous, while grizzlies are larger with a distinctive shoulder hump. No other bear species regularly occur here. For more on bear identification, check ourbear page. In Montana, bears sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. 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.
How can you tell a black bear from a grizzly bear?+
Start with the shoulder hump: grizzlies have a prominent hump, black bears do not. Also check the ear shape: grizzly ears are short and rounded, black bears have taller, more pointed ears. Face shape: grizzlies have a dished or concave face, black bears have a straight profile. These features help separate the two most likely species you'll encounter. Most misses happen when people arrive at the wrong hour or expect nonstop activity. Build around where in the state people usually notice them first, keep one backup area in mind, and use theanimal facts pageplustour planning ideasto compare what a realistic outing looks like in Montana. 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.
Where are black bears most often seen in Montana?+
Black bears are common in all forested regions, from the Rocky Mountains to the eastern river breaks. Good spots include the Kootenai National Forest and the Bitterroot Valley. They often wander near agricultural areas and river corridors. You have the best odds of seeing them in mixed woodlands. See ourBears typesfor the next step.
Where are grizzly bears most often seen in Montana?+
Grizzlies are mostly found in the northern and western parts of the state. Prime areas include Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and the Yellowstone ecosystem. They prefer open meadows, alpine tundra, and river valleys. Start your search in these remote areas for the best chance of a sighting. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
When is the best time of year to spot bears in Montana?+
Spring (May-June) is ideal as bears emerge from hibernation and feed on new growth. Fall (September-October) is also good as they feed heavily before winter. Summer sightings are possible but bears are more dispersed. Check ourMontana wildlife pagefor seasonal tips.
What are the best places to plan a bear viewing trip?+
Use the interactive tool above to find top bear viewing spots and lodges in Montana.
Keep exploring
More places to see bear
More wildlife in Montana