MARYLAND - Maryland is a diverse state with many habitats that provide homes to 90 mammal species, 93 reptile and amphibian species, and over 400 species of birds. Among the wildlife in Maryland is the black bear, the largest carnivore in the state.
Maryland is Home to Over 2,000 Black Bears
Recent estimates show that over 2,000 black bears are living in Maryland, primarily located in Garrett, Allegany, Washington, and Fredrick counties. Populations are highest in Garrett and Allegany counties, with numbers rising in other areas of the state. In the springtime, black bears can often be sighted elsewhere as they migrate through different regions.
In 2007, a record-setting 615-pound, 7-foot-tall bear was shot by a licensed hunter during hunting season. This remarkable feat highlights how plentiful black bears are in Maryland and how important it is to protect their habitat for future generations.
