Washington's black bear hotspots in the North Cascades and Selkirk Mountains

Washington State has a high population of black bears, with hotspots in the North Cascades and Selkirk Mountains. These areas offer abundant food sources like berries and forbs, especially in avalanche chutes and recent burn scars. Peak activity occurs in spring at lower elevations and autumn in alpine regions. Washington is also home to a small, protected population of grizzly bears, identifiable by their shoulder humps. Bear encounters are possible, and safety precautions are advised.