Bears might seem like elusive creatures, but in certain parts of the U.S., running into one is more common than you’d think. According to a study published in Scientific Reports, bear encounters have been steadily increasing due to expanding bear populations and human encroachment into their natural habitats. Whether you’re hiking through the mountains or just taking out the trash in some of these states, you might just spot a furry visitor. Let’s dive into the top 10 states where bear encounters are a regular part of life.

1. Alaska – The Ultimate Bear Country

If there’s one state that defines “bear country,” it’s Alaska. With its vast, untouched wilderness, it’s home to an estimated 30,000 grizzly bears, plus tens of thousands of black bears and even the only U.S. population of polar bears. If you visit places like Katmai National Park, you’ll likely see grizzlies catching salmon straight out of the river—a sight that attracts tourists from all over. But bears aren’t just found in the wild. It’s not uncommon for residents in Anchorage and Fairbanks to spot bears rummaging through garbage or strolling through backyards. Alaskans have learned to live alongside these powerful animals, but visitors are always reminded to carry bear spray and keep their distance.

2. Montana – Grizzly Territory

Montana is grizzly bear central, especially in areas near Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. These massive bears were once on the brink of extinction, but thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers have been steadily rising. Today, the state is home to around 2,000 grizzlies, making encounters more common than ever. Hikers and campers are often reminded to stay “bear aware” by making noise on trails and properly storing food. While most bear sightings are peaceful, the state has seen its share of surprise encounters, with some leading to aggressive behavior. Whether you’re deep in the wilderness or even near smaller towns, spotting a bear in Montana is just part of the experience.

3. Wyoming – Home of Yellowstone’s Bears

Wyoming has a reputation for being one of the best places in the country to see bears—especially inside Yellowstone National Park. Tourists visiting the park often spot grizzlies and black bears wandering through meadows or foraging near roadways. With over 700 grizzlies in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, bear encounters are a regular occurrence. Even outside the park, rural residents often wake up to find a bear sniffing around for an easy meal. While the National Park Service enforces strict rules to keep both bears and people safe, every year brings new stories of curious bears getting a little too close for comfort.

4. California – A Black Bear Haven

California might not have grizzlies anymore (despite the fact that one’s on the state flag), but it has plenty of black bears—an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 of them. If you’ve ever camped in Yosemite, you’ve probably seen one raiding a food locker or sniffing around for snacks. Black bears in California have learned that humans equal easy meals, which has led to an increase in sightings, especially in places like Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada. Even in more urban areas, like the foothills of Los Angeles, bears have been caught wandering through neighborhoods, hopping into swimming pools, or even breaking into houses.

5. Colorado – A Growing Bear Population

Black bears in Colorado are thriving, and as a result, people are seeing them more than ever. With roughly 17,000 to 20,000 black bears in the state, it’s common to hear about bears roaming through mountain towns like Aspen and Boulder. They’ve become so accustomed to human presence that they’ve been spotted walking right through city streets in broad daylight. Unfortunately, their growing confidence has led to more conflicts, with bears breaking into homes, cars, and even restaurants. Wildlife officials are constantly reminding residents to secure their trash and avoid feeding bears—because once a bear gets a taste for human food, it won’t stop coming back.

6. North Carolina – Bears in the Blue Ridge

North Carolina is home to a healthy population of black bears, especially in the Appalachian region. The Great Smoky Mountains are a major hotspot for sightings, with bears frequently spotted along hiking trails and campgrounds. Unlike their western cousins, black bears in North Carolina tend to be smaller, but that doesn’t make them any less curious. Tourists are often tempted to get too close for the perfect photo, but park rangers stress the importance of keeping a safe distance. As the bear population continues to grow, even cities like Asheville have reported more bears wandering into town, looking for food in trash cans and bird feeders.

7. Washington – A Haven for Black Bears

Washington’s lush forests provide the perfect habitat for black bears, which are the only species found in the state. While grizzly bears once roamed here, they are now nearly extinct in the region. That hasn’t stopped black bears from thriving, especially in the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. Encounters are common in hiking areas, where bears are often seen foraging for berries or exploring campsites. While they usually avoid humans, increased interactions have led to more frequent warnings about food storage and bear safety. Some unlucky campers have even woken up to find a bear rifling through their supplies!

8. Tennessee – Smoky Mountain Bear Hotspot

Tennessee is another state where black bears are making a big comeback. With over 6,000 bears roaming the Great Smoky Mountains, sightings are practically guaranteed. The town of Gatlinburg, which sits right on the edge of the park, has become infamous for bear encounters, with bears casually strolling through parking lots and hotel grounds. While it might seem cute, wildlife officials are constantly reminding visitors to never feed them—once a bear associates humans with food, it becomes a danger to itself and others. The number of bear-related incidents has been rising, but with proper precautions, people and bears can coexist peacefully.

9. Minnesota – Land of Black Bears

Minnesota might be known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but it’s also home to thousands of black bears. Most of the state’s bear population is concentrated in the northern forests, but sightings aren’t uncommon in more populated areas. Hunters, hikers, and cabin owners often report encounters, and as bears search for food before hibernation, they sometimes wander into residential neighborhoods. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources frequently reminds people to secure their garbage and avoid leaving pet food outside, as bears have an excellent sense of smell and will return to an easy food source again and again.

10. Pennsylvania – The East Coast’s Bear Hub

Pennsylvania has one of the largest black bear populations on the East Coast, with an estimated 20,000 bears spread throughout the state. The Pocono Mountains and Allegheny National Forest are particularly active bear zones, where hikers and hunters frequently report encounters. But bears don’t just stay in the wilderness—suburban sightings have been increasing, with bears venturing into backyards, raiding bird feeders, and even breaking into garages. Each year, Pennsylvania’s bear season data confirms that the population is steadily growing, which means bear encounters are likely to become even more common in the future.

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