No, brown bears, including the subspecies commonly known as grizzlies, are not currently found in Arkansas. The only bear species inhabiting the state is the American black bear, a distinct animal with different physical and behavioral characteristics. Understanding the differences between these two species and the remarkable story of the bear that calls Arkansas home provides a clearer picture of the state’s wildlife.
The Bear Species Found in Arkansas
The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is the only bear species found in Arkansas, inhabiting the state’s forested regions. Despite the name, their coats are not always black and can range from cinnamon, brown, to a grayish shade. These bears are generally smaller than brown bears; adult males typically weigh between 130 and 300 pounds, while females range from 90 to 150 pounds. The black bear is primarily solitary, preferring rugged, heavily wooded areas where they forage for an omnivorous diet of nuts, berries, and insects.
Distinction Between Brown Bears and Black Bears
Distinguishing the American black bear from the brown bear (Ursus arctos) relies on several key physical features rather than coat color. The most noticeable difference is the prominent muscular hump situated between the shoulders of a brown bear, a feature entirely absent in the black bear, whose back appears relatively flat. This hump provides powerful leverage for digging roots and excavating dens, activities less common for the black bear.
Observing the facial profile and ears also helps differentiate the species. Brown bears possess a broad, concave or “dished” profile from the eyes to the nose tip, paired with relatively short, round ears. In contrast, the black bear has a straighter, longer facial profile and more prominent, oval-shaped ears. Another sign is the claws; the brown bear has long, straighter claws measuring between two and four inches for digging, while the black bear has shorter, more curved claws better suited for climbing trees.
Arkansas Black Bear Population and Range
The history of the black bear in Arkansas is a story of near-extinction followed by successful conservation. Arkansas was historically known as the “Bear State,” with an estimated population of up to 50,000 bears before European settlement. Extensive hunting and the clearing of forested habitats caused a rapid decline, leading to the near-extirpation of the species by the 1930s, when only an estimated 50 to 100 bears remained.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission initiated a restoration program between 1958 and 1968 to bring the population back. During this period, approximately 254 black bears were trapped from northern Minnesota and Manitoba, Canada, and released into the Interior Highlands of Arkansas. This reintroduction effort is recognized as one of the most successful large carnivore restorations attempted in North America.
Today, the black bear population is thriving, with current estimates exceeding 5,000 animals across the state. The primary distribution is concentrated in the mountainous terrain of the Interior Highlands, encompassing the Ozark and Ouachita National Forests. A smaller, isolated population also exists in the lower White River basin, though bears are expanding their range beyond these core areas.