Grizzly bears are primarily found in North America, with the largest populations in Alaska and Canada. Around 60,000 wild grizzly bears live in North America, about 30,000 of which are in Alaska, especially along coastal areas rich in food like salmon
. In Canada, approximately 29,000 grizzlies inhabit regions including British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and northern Manitoba, with British Columbia hosting a significant portion of the population
. In the contiguous United States, grizzly bears are found mainly in the northwestern states such as Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington. Key habitats include the Northern Continental Divide in Montana, the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem spanning Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, and smaller populations in northern Idaho and northeastern Washington's Selkirk Mountains
. Grizzly bears occupy a variety of habitats including woodlands, forests, alpine meadows, tundra, and prairies, often favoring riparian areas along rivers and streams where food is abundant
. In summary, grizzly bears are found:
- In Alaska, especially coastal regions and protected areas like Admiralty Island
- Across western and northern Canada, notably British Columbia and Yukon
- In parts of the northwestern United States, including Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington
They prefer cooler climates and diverse habitats ranging from forests to tundra and alpine zones