Bear Attack Statistics

Jessica Cockroft | November 14, 2024

Originally published August 2023, this post was updated in November 2024 to include the most recent Bear Attacks from 2022–2024.

Bear Attack Statistics: What the Numbers Really Say About Your Safety in the Wild

| Quick Takeaways

  • Bear attacks are rare and, in most cases, preventable.
  • Most conflicts occur when bears are startled or food-conditioned.
  • Fatal attacks are fewer than most people think.
  • Proper food storage, leashed dogs, and bear spray go a long way in keeping everyone safe.

Thinking about heading into bear country?

Smart move, we love it out there! Knowing how and when bear attacks happen is your best defense, not bear spray (though that helps too).

Since 1784, there have been about 180 fatal bear attacks in North America. That number might sound big until you realize it's spread over nearly 240 years. On average, that’s well under one fatality per year across an entire continent. To put it bluntly, your odds of being struck by lightning are higher.

Below, we break down bear attack statistics by species, analyze trends from real incidents, and share simple tips to keep you (and the bears) safe out there.

Bear icon Want a bigger-picture view of how to prep for the backcountry? Check out our comprehensive Guide to Backpacking in Bear Country. It covers the gear, habits, and trail etiquette that help prevent bear conflicts before they start.

Bear Attack Statistics by Species 

Now that we’ve got the big-picture numbers in mind, let’s break things down by species. 

Different bears exhibit distinct behaviors, and the types of encounters people have with them vary accordingly. Understanding those differences is key to staying safe and keeping bears wild.

Bear Species Fatal Attacks
(since 1974)		 Estimated Population Key Conflict Triggers
Black Bear 66 ~900,000 Startled, food-conditioned, & dogs
Grizzly Bear 82 ~45,000 (1,000 in the lower 48) Startled, food conditions, & predatory
`

Black Bear Attacks 

Black bears are the most widespread bear species in North America, found in at least 40 U.S. states. With so many black bears, you’d think attacks would be common. In reality, they’re not.

Most black bear encounters end peacefully. These bears are typically shy and avoid humans when given the chance. 

Non-fatal attacks are more common, but even then, fewer than a dozen are reported each year.

| Lessons Learned:

  • Make noise on the trail to avoid surprising a bear.
  • Store your food in bear-resistant containers (not bear bags).
  • Keep dogs leashed to avoid provoking defensive behavior

—> Explore Our Bear Safety Page & Become an Expert in Bear Attack Prevention

Grizzly Bear Attacks 

Grizzlies, or Brown Bears (depending on where you are), have a far more limited range. Primarily in Alaska, western Canada, and small pockets of the Rocky Mountains. The chances of encountering one are low, but the outcomes can be more serious.

Yellowstone National Park, established in 1872, has recorded just eight fatalities involving grizzlies, compared to seven deaths from falling trees.

Why are brown bears more dangerous? [collapsible content]

  • They’re larger and stronger than black bears.
  • Defensive behavior is more likely, especially when cubs are present.
  • Food-motivated incidents can turn predatory, especially in habituated bears.
Why are grizzly bears more dangerous?
  • They’re larger and stronger than black bears.
  • Defensive behavior is more likely, especially when cubs are present.
  • Food-motivated incidents can turn predatory, especially in habituated bears.

| In the News: A story that swept the nation in recent years involved predatory behavior from a grizzly that exhibited signs of food conditioning. 

The grizzly bear entered a campsite after detecting food stored in bicycle saddle bags 10 feet from a sleeping camper. The bear returned later that night and killed the camper inside the tent. Investigators concluded the bear was food-conditioned and had shifted into predatory behavior.

What this teaches us: Proper food storage is critical. Bears follow their noses, and a single mistake can have tragic consequences.

What Makes a Bear Attack More Likely?

In large studies, there are often statistics that jump out. In this case, it's notable for being entirely not surprising. 

Roughly half of all conflicts across multiple large carnivore species were preceded by human irresponsibility

In a study of over 700 large carnivore conflicts across North America and Europe (1955–present), researchers identified common human behaviors that led to incidents:

  • Leaving food unsecured
  • Letting dogs run off-leash
  • Approaching females with cubs
  • Recreating at dawn or dusk (when bears are more active)
  • Leaving children unattended

Many of these are preventable with awareness and basic precautions. With public education, proper enforcement, and quick intervention with food-conditioned bears, conflict rates continue to decline.