How to Tell Black Bears from Brown Bears A Practical Guide

Originally Published March 9, 2023
Last Updated: January 26, 2025

When we first moved to New Mexico, we were both thrilled and a little nervous about exploring the wilderness. One of our biggest worries? Bears. The thought of encountering one on the trail was intimidating, and I still remember packing bear spray like it was a magic talisman. But over time, as we learned more about bears—their habits, behaviors, and how to recognize them—our fear turned into respect. These days, we hike comfortably in areas with bear populations, always with bear spray available, and a deep appreciation for these incredible animals.

We put together this guide so you can hit the trails with confidence. When you come across a bear knowing its species will help you predict how they will behave. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, this friendly and practical guide will give you the tools to share the wilderness responsibly with its most iconic residents.

Brown bear in spring

Bear Attacks Are Rare

Let’s start with some good news: attacks on people are really rare. Millions of people hike and camp in bear country every year without incident. Bears generally avoid humans and prefer to keep their distance. That said, staying aware and prepared is key. Follow local guidelines, stay alert, and check out our Bear Safety for Hikers Guide for practical tips. With a little knowledge and preparation, you can explore bear country with confidence.

How to Tell Brown Bears and Black Bears Apart

Telling bears apart isn’t always easy, especially since their fur colors overlap. The trick is to focus on physical features and behaviors. Here are the main differences:

Feature	Brown Bears	Black Bears
Shoulder Hump	Prominent	None
Claws	Long, straight	Shorter, curved
Ear Shape	Short, rounded	Tall, pointed
Facial Profile	Concave	Flatter
Body Proportion	Shoulders higher than rump	Rump higher than shoulders

Brown Bear Characteristics

Large and muscular, with a distinctive shoulder hump that sets them apart from black bears. Weighing up to 1,500 pounds and standing 10 feet tall on their hind legs, they have a concave facial profile and short, rounded ears. Their long, straight claws are built for digging and fishing, making them highly adaptable hunters. Brown bears are often solitary, but they gather in places with abundant food, such as salmon streams, especially during spawning season. Despite their size, they’re surprisingly agile, excelling at swimming and climbing.

Black Bear Characteristics

Generally smaller, weighing between 100 and 600 pounds, they lack the prominent shoulder hump that is characteristic of brown bears. Their ears are taller and more pointed, and their facial profile is flatter compared to the concave profile of brown bears. Black bears are excellent climbers, often retreating up trees for safety when they feel threatened. Their shorter, curved claws are perfect for climbing and gripping. While black bears are usually shy and avoid humans, it’s essential to give them space, especially if you encounter a mother bear with cubs.

Where Bears Live

Black and brown bears live in different parts of North America, and understanding their habitats can help you prepare for your outdoor experiences. Brown bears, often called grizzlies, are found mainly in the Northern Rocky Mountains and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which includes parts of Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. There are only about 2,000 brown bears in the lower 48 states, and they live in a much smaller area. Black bears are much more common, with around 300,000 in the U.S., spread across about half of their historical range. This makes black bears the bears most people are likely to encounter.

Region	Black Bears	Brown Bears	Both Types
Alaska	Yes	Yes	Yes
Montana	Yes	Yes	Yes
Wyoming	Yes	Yes	Yes
Idaho	Yes	Yes	Yes
Washington	Yes	Yes	Yes

Note: States not included in this table have only black bears or no bears at all.

Alaska is home to the largest populations of both black and brown bears, making it a unique destination for nature lovers. In the western U.S., states like Montana, Idaho, and Washington are some of the few places where both species live side by side. Conservation efforts have been successful in some areas, like the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, where the grizzly bear population grew from just 136 in 1975 to nearly 965 in 2022. Understanding where bears live helps you stay informed and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

Habitat map for North American bears from https://geology.com/stories/13/bear-areas/

A black and brown bear in a forest clearing

A black and brown bear playing in the river

Final Thoughts

Exploring bear country is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with nature. I remember one hike with our dog Drax when we found a fresh bear track. That moment was both awe-inspiring and humbling, reminding us that we were in their world. We never saw another sign of the bear but it was still pretty exciting. In fact that was one of the things that inspired us to learn to identify animal tracks

If You Found This Helpful, Please Share:

By Summer and Bill

Summer and Bill are the dynamic duo behind Adventureite.com, a blog dedicated to inspiring others to explore the great outdoors. With a combined lifetime of experience traveling and adventuring across America, they have a wealth of knowledge to share. From hiking to camping, kayaking to travel, Summer and Bill are passionate about helping others discover the beauty of the natural world.