Discover the Largest Bear Ever Caught in Wyoming 

Written by Kristin Hitchcock
Updated: May 8, 2023
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Wyoming is a part of the Yellowstone ecosystem. Therefore, it is home to grizzly bears. These bears are protected in many areas, which means that they are not taken by hunters. However, car crashes kill many bears each year. Additionally, some are found dead due to other causes.

While we may not have extensive hunting records, researchers do monitor the bears in the park. They know of several very large bears reported in the area. We don’t have specific weights for all of them, as some of them are still alive.

However, one grizzly stands out as the largest bear likely ever discovered in the state.

The Largest Bear in Wyoming

Bear staring into camera

If the bear would have survived to the fall, it likely would have been over 800 pounds.

©Lubos Chlubny/Shutterstock.com

In 2018, an extremely large male bear was euthanized by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. At the time of death, the bear was well over 600 pounds. It’s worth noting he was euthanized in the spring, when bears are at their smallest. If this massive grizzly had survived into the fall, it likely would have been over 800 pounds! This is easily one of the biggest bears every caught in the area.

Unfortunately, the bear initiated several conflicts with livestock and humans. To prevent further issues, the Wyoming Game Department came to the difficult conclusion that they had to euthanize the grizzly for the safety of those in the area. This necessary action saddened the entire department. Employees stated that the male was a “very special bear.”

After its death, researchers sent the bear to the Meeteetse Museum, where it now stands alongside other massive bears from the area. He lives on, as part of a special educational display.

Where Are the Meeteetse Museums Located on a Map?

The Meeteetse Museums are located off State Street, close to Park Avenue, south of Greybull River. The aim of the institutions is preserving the natural and artistic heritage of the region.

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © Scott E Read/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Kristin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering dogs, cats, fish, and other pets. She has been an animal writer for seven years, writing for top publications on everything from chinchilla cancer to the rise of designer dogs. She currently lives in Tennessee with her cat, dogs, and two children. When she isn't writing about pets, she enjoys hiking and crocheting.

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