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A Bear Journey Through The USA: 18 Best Bear Photos from 18 US States

Black bear by Chris Weber with MidJourney
Black bear by Chris Weber with MidJourney

Embark on a captivating visual journey across the United States through “The Best 18 Bear Photos from 18 US States,” a gallery that celebrates the majestic beauty of bears in their natural habitats. From the serene forests of Maine to the rugged wilderness of Alaska, each photo tells a unique story of resilience, wilderness, and the profound connection between nature and these magnificent creature.

Alaska – Katmai National Park

Zodiac_bear_in_Alaska
Zodiac_bear_in_Alaska by Chris Weber with MidJourney

Capture the breathtaking moment of a Grizzly bear fishing for salmon in the dynamic waters of Brooks Falls, Katmai National Park. This park, accessible by plane from Anchorage or Kodiak, is one of the best places in the world to watch bears in their natural habitat, especially during the salmon run in July and September.

Montana – Glacier National Park

Zodiac_bear_in_Alaska by Chris Weber with MidJourney
Grizzly_bear_in_Montana by Chris Weber with MidJourney

Witness a Grizzly bear roaming the vast, wild landscapes of Glacier National Park at dawn. The park’s Many Glacier area is particularly known for bear sightings, offering visitors a glimpse of these majestic animals amidst towering mountains and pristine wilderness.

Wyoming – Yellowstone National Park

Mother bear protects her three little puppies in the finnish taiga

Observe a brown bear cub playfully climbing a tree in Yellowstone, America’s first national park. The Lamar and Hayden Valleys are prime areas for wildlife watching, where the natural beauty and geothermal features provide a stunning backdrop.

California – Yosemite National Park

Black bear by Chris Weber with MidJourney
Black bear by Chris Weber with MidJourney

Spot a coastal Black bear along the scenic stretches of Yosemite National Park.

Colorado – Rocky Mountain National Park

Black bear by Chris Weber with MidJourney
Black bear by Chris Weber with MidJourney

Marvel at a mother Black bear and her cubs navigating the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains. The Bear Lake area, with its network of hiking trails, is a popular spot for visitors to catch a glimpse of bear families in the wild.

Washington – North Cascades National Park

Brown bear by Chris Weber with MidJourney
Brown bear by Chris Weber with MidJourney

Encounter a Grizzly bear standing among the wildflowers of the North Cascades, an area known for its remote and rugged beauty. The Ross Lake Recreation Area provides a wild, pristine environment ideal for spotting wildlife, including the elusive Grizzly.

Utah – Zion National Park

black bear in canyon by Chris with midjourney
black bear in canyon by Chris with midjourney

Catch sight of a Black bear wandering through the autumn colors of Zion National Park. The park’s higher elevations, such as the Kolob Canyons area, offer habitats suitable for bears and breathtaking vistas for visitors.

Arizona – Grand Canyon National Park

black bear in canyon by Chris with midjourney
black bear in canyon by Chris with midjourney

Experience the rare sight of a Black bear against the vast backdrop of the Grand Canyon. The North Rim, less visited and more remote, provides a quieter setting for wildlife watching and stunning panoramic views.

North Carolina – Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Black bear by Chris Weber with MidJourney
Black bear by Chris Weber with MidJourney

Enjoy a heartwarming scene of a Black bear family in the Great Smoky Mountains, a biodiversity hotspot. Cades Cove offers not only spectacular scenery but also some of the best opportunities for bear watching in the eastern United States.

Tennessee – Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Black bear
Black Bear Hiding Behind Tall Grass. ©Thomas Fuhrmann on Pexels

Witness a playful Black bear cub in the Smoky Mountains, where the dense forests provide a perfect playground. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is another excellent area within the park for spotting bears and enjoying the natural beauty of the Appalachians.

New Mexico – Gila Wilderness

black bear in desert by Chris with midjourney
black bear in desert by Chris with midjourney

Observe a Black bear silhouetted against the stunning desert sunset in the Gila Wilderness, the nation’s first designated wilderness area. This vast, untouched landscape, accessible from Silver City, offers a rugged and beautiful setting for bear sightings and outdoor adventures. Let’s read on for the Best 18 Bear Photos.

Idaho – Idaho Panhandle National Forests

Brown bear by Chris Weber with MidJourney
Brown bear by Chris Weber with MidJourney

Spot a Grizzly bear in the wild, untamed landscapes of the Idaho Panhandle, a region known for its dense forests and abundant wildlife. The Priest Lake area, with its remote setting and natural beauty, is particularly conducive to bear watching.

Maine – Acadia National Park

bear
Bear via Pexels.

Capture a Black bear cub exploring the branches in Acadia National Park, where the forest meets the Atlantic Ocean. The park’s quieter west side, particularly around the Bass Harbor area, offers a chance to see bears in a coastal forest setting.

Minnesota – Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

black bear in desert by Chris with midjourney
black bear in desert by Chris with midjourney

See a Black bear lounging in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a vast network of lakes and forests. This remote, water-filled landscape is best explored by canoe, offering unique perspectives on wildlife and untouched nature. Let’s read on for the Best 18 Bear Photos.

Michigan – Upper Peninsula

Black bear by Chris Weber with MidJourney
Black bear by Chris Weber with MidJourney

Discover a Black bear mother and her cubs along the rugged shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, with its vast forests and wild shores, is an ideal spot for bear watching and experiencing the wilderness of the Great Lakes. Check out the Illinois black bear population as well.

New Hampshire – White Mountains

Black bear scratching a tree in a forest. Image by Alexandre Brondino on Unsplash.

Encounter a Black bear on a misty morning in the White Mountains, an area known for its dramatic landscapes and diverse habitats. The Kancamagus Highway offers scenic drives and hiking trails that are perfect for spotting wildlife amid the stunning mountain scenery.

South Dakota – Badlands National Park

Black bear
Black Bear Cub Scratching its head with its paw. Image by Sung Jin Cho on Unsplash

Spot a Black bear exploring the unique landscapes of the Badlands National Park, where the rugged terrain offers a dramatic contrast to the typical bear habitat. The Sage Creek Wilderness Area provides a remote setting for wildlife watching within the park’s striking geological formations. Let’s read on for the Best 18 Bear Photos.

Nevada – Great Basin National Park

Black Bear With a flower in its mouth. Image by Pete Nuij on Unsplash.

Witness a Black bear amidst the stark beauty of Great Basin

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Lynne Witton

Wednesday 21st of February 2024

Just so beautiful! How perfectly wonderful it must be, to be able to be around all the wide life you encounter on yr travels. Lucky you 💕