The state with the highest bear population density is rarely the one with the largest overall number of bears. Bear population density is a metric describing the number of bears inhabiting a specific unit of area, typically measured as bears per square mile of suitable habitat. This figure is distinct from the total bear population, which is simply the absolute count of animals within the state’s borders. Comparing these two numbers reveals the difference between a large, sparsely populated bear range and a small, concentrated one.
Identifying the State with Peak Bear Density
The state that consistently exhibits the highest regional density of American Black Bears (Ursus americanus) per square mile in the contiguous United States is New Jersey. While its statewide population of black bears is relatively small, estimated at around 3,000 to 4,000 individuals, the concentration of these bears in the northwestern region is exceptionally high. Specific areas within the state, such as portions of the Kittatinny Ridge and the surrounding counties, have documented densities reaching 2 to 3 bears per square mile of forested land.
The American Black Bear is the species responsible for this high density, as it is the only bear species present in the state. Wildlife agencies estimate these populations using advanced ecological techniques, such as non-invasive genetic sampling. This method involves setting up hair snares—barbed wire enclosures that collect hair samples as bears pass through to access a lure. The DNA extracted allows researchers to identify individual bears and use a spatially explicit capture-recapture model to generate accurate density estimates.
Habitat and Management Successes
New Jersey’s unique geography and a successful history of conservation efforts are the primary reasons for its concentrated bear population. The northwestern region provides an ideal environment, characterized by expansive mixed hardwood forests, dense swamps, and forested wetlands. This habitat, particularly around the Kittatinny and Bearfort regions, supplies a rich variety of natural food sources, known as mast, which includes acorns, beechnuts, and berries.
The abundant, high-quality food available in the region directly impacts the bear population’s reproductive success. Female black bears, or sows, mature at an earlier age and produce larger litters compared to many other bear populations. Research shows a high cub survival rate, allowing the population to grow rapidly and achieve maximum density within its limited range.
A significant wildlife management decision also contributed to the population’s rebound. In 1971, the state closed all bear hunting, a moratorium that remained in effect for 33 years. This long period of protection allowed the remnant population, which had been reduced to less than 100 individuals, to fully recover and expand its range into all 21 counties of the state. This combination of prime habitat and the cessation of population control created the conditions for the current peak density.
Density Versus Total Population
The concentration of bears in New Jersey stands in sharp contrast to states that have a much larger total bear population spread over a vast area. For example, Alaska is home to the largest total population, with an estimated 100,000 black bears and tens of thousands of brown bears, but the sheer size of the state means its overall density is low. Even in prime Alaskan habitats like Admiralty Island, the density of brown bears may reach only about one bear per square mile, which is lower than the peak density found in New Jersey.
High bear density has significant practical implications for local residents. When a large number of bears are squeezed into a small area undergoing human development, the result is a sharp increase in human-bear conflict. In New Jersey, high density often leads bears to venture into suburban areas searching for food, especially when natural sources are scarce. This results in a spike in nuisance and damage reports, driving wildlife management decisions to control the population.