8 Spots in Virginia Teeming with the Most Bears

Virginia is bear country, black bear specifically! They are the sole species of bears living in Virginia, so the spots on our list today only include black bear sightings. Current estimates put over 900,000 bears living in North America with nearly 17,000 just in Virginia. But where exactly can you go in the state for a guaranteed sighting of one of these massive animals? Let’s sink our teeth into the top 8 spots in Virginia teeming with the most bears.

8. Northern Virginia Neighborhoods

An unlikely spot where you’re likely to see black bears is in a Northern Virginia neighborhood. As of late, bear sightings are on the rise in residential neighborhoods as their habitats get developed. Arlington, Fairfax, and Mclean sightings typically make the local news, as a bear strolling through the streets isn’t what most residents expect to see on their Ring cameras when they move to the suburbs.

7. Christiansburg, Virginia

The Blue Ridge Mountains, which extends from North Carolina into parts of Pennsylvania, are teeming with black bears. And what college town sits right in the middle of the mountain range at the south end of the Virginia section? Christiansburg. There have been multiple bear sightings over the past few years from students, residents, and travelers passing through on their way up or down I-81.

6. Massanutten

A small resort town in the Shenandoah Valley, Massanutten is home to a large variety of wildlife. This includes black bears! It’s not super common to spot a black bear in this area of Virginia because the resort is all-season. However, if you visit in the fall when food for the bears is scarce then you might catch a glimpse of one rummaging through trash or breaking into an unlocked car.

5. George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

There are many spots in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests to spot black bears. Sherando Lake is a spring-fed lake with bear activity reported. Mount Rogers is a popular spot for bear activity as well as the 325-mile section of the Appalachian Trail that runs through the forests.

4. Douthat State Park

Deep in the Allegheny Mountains, this state park is teeming with bears. With 40 miles of trails as well as plenty of spots to camp, fish, and swim, you’re bound to see a black bear while exploring the great outdoors at Douthat State Park in Virginia. The most recent incident of a bear attack was in 2017, but it still pays to learn how to enjoy them safely from a distance if you plan to visit this area.

3. Blue Ridge Parkway

This scenic parkway travels through the dense forests of Virginia and is where you can find some of the most bears in Virginia. However, we don’t recommend getting out of your car to get close! Black bears, while less aggressive than grizzly bears, are still wild animals that can harm you. Admire them from the safety of your vehicle and enjoy cruising the beautiful parkway, spotting wildlife along your journey.

2. Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Rescue

Wildlife like river otters, bobcats, and black bears thrive in the mid-Atlantic region near Suffolk. This area specifically contains one of the highest amounts of black bears in the entire state! That is likely due to the lack of human activity and the plethora of blackberry brambles for them to snack on.

1. Shenandoah National Park

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, Shenandoah National Park is the top spot to go if you want to see black bears. It houses the highest concentration of bears in the state, with about 300-500 occupying the national park alone. The most common spots in this Virginia national park where you’re most likely to see bears are hiking Old Rag, camping at Cades Cove or Big Meadow, or driving along the scenic Skyline Drive.

Summary of the 8 Spots in Virginia with the Most Bears