Finding a black bear in Red Dead Redemption 2 shouldn't be hard. In theory, they’re all over the place. But if you’ve ever spent three real-world hours riding in circles around West Elizabeth only to find a bunch of angry turkeys and a very confused buck, you know the struggle. It’s annoying.
The game tells you they live in "forested areas," which is about as helpful as a screen door on a submarine.
Honestly, American Black Bears in RDR2 are the introverts of the predator world. Unlike their massive, grumpy cousins—the Grizzly Bears—black bears don’t want to eat your face. They’ll usually see you, panic, and bolt into the brush before you even get your binoculars out. That’s why you aren't finding them. You’re likely riding too fast, making too much noise, or looking in the exact wrong patch of woods.
The Most Reliable RDR2 Black Bear Locations
If you need a perfect pelt for the Trapper or you’re just trying to tick off that Compendium entry, stop wandering aimlessly. There are a few spots where they spawn so consistently it’s almost like a glitch.
Big Valley (West Elizabeth)
This is the gold mine. Specifically, the area northwest of Wallace Station and around Watson’s Cabin. If you follow the Little Creek River up toward the mountains, keep your eyes on the tree line.
There’s a little spot near where the three roads converge north of the cabin. I’ve found them there in the morning more often than not. Just don't gallop. If you’re at a full sprint, that bear is gone before his icon even pops up on the mini-map.
Roanoke Ridge (New Hanover)
This place is creepy, but the bears love it. Check the woods north of Annesburg, specifically between the town and Brandywine Drop.
I once spent an evening tracking a 3-star pelt along the train tracks here. You’ll often see them near the water or darting across the tracks. Also, keep an eye on the area south of Annesburg along the shoreline. They like to hang out on the beaches there, which makes them way easier to spot against the sand than in the thick trees.
Tall Trees
It’s in the name. It’s a forest.
Bears live here.
You’ll find them mostly near the Aurora Basin or wandering the hills west of Blackwater. Just a heads up: Tall Trees is also prime Grizzly and Cougar territory. If you hear a growl that sounds like a freight train, that ain't a black bear. Black bears make a sort of "woof" or a high-pitched yelp when they’re spooked.
How to Get That Perfect 3-Star Pelt
So you found one. Great. Now don't ruin it by using a shotgun or a repeater.
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To get a Perfect Black Bear Pelt, you need two things: a 3-star bear and the right gun. You can check the quality by aiming at the bear and "studying" it or just looking at the stars next to its name in the bottom right.
- Use a Rifle: Not a repeater. You want a Bolt Action Rifle or a Springfield Rifle.
- Ammo Matters: Express or High Velocity rounds are your best friends here.
- The Headshot: You have to hit it in the head. One shot. If it takes two shots, you just turned a $3.50 perfect pelt into a $1.00 pile of garbage.
- Poison Arrows: If you’re a bow person, an Improved Arrow or a Poison Arrow to the head/neck works beautifully.
Pro Tip: If you see a bear and it’s only 1 or 2 stars, don't waste your time. Ride away, sleep at a camp for a day, and come back. The spawns reset, and eventually, a 3-star beauty will show up.
Black Bears vs. Grizzlies: Don't Get Confused
I’ve seen people panic and start blasting the second they see a bear. Relax.
Black bears are significantly smaller than Grizzlies. They don't have that big muscle hump on their shoulders. Most importantly, black bears are skittish. In RDR2, they are technically marked as red "hostile" dots on the map, but they almost never attack unless you corner them or you're playing a specific scripted mission.
If you see a bear running away from you, it’s a black bear. If it’s charging at you while screaming like a demon, that’s a Grizzly. Treat them differently. You can actually "hunt" a black bear. With a Grizzly, half the time you're just surviving.
Why Won't They Spawn?
Sometimes the game just decides to be stubborn. If you’re at a known RDR2 black bear location and the woods are silent, try these:
- Check the time: Early morning (dawn) and late evening seem to be peak hours.
- Predator Bait: It actually works. Find a clearing in Big Valley, drop some Potent Predator Bait, and hide behind a rock.
- Cover Scent: It’s not just for deer. Black bears have a crazy sense of smell. If the wind is blowing your scent toward them, they’re gone.
- Clear the area: If there are wolves nearby, the bears won't show up. Kill the wolves, leave, and come back.
Where to Sell Your Haul
Once you’ve got that heavy pelt on the back of your horse, don't just sell it to a general store. That’s a rookie move. Take it to the Trapper.
There’s a Trapper located in the woods of Big Valley (perfect if you’re hunting near Watson’s Cabin) and another one in Saint Denis. Selling to the Trapper unlocks crafting recipes for unique gear. If you’re going for that "mountain man" look, you’re going to need a lot of bear parts.
The American Black Bear is a core part of the RDR2 ecosystem. They aren't the biggest prize, and they aren't the most dangerous, but tracking one down in the foggy woods of Roanoke Ridge is one of those "immersion" moments that makes the game so good.
Next time you’re out near Wallace Station, slow your horse down to a trot. Put away the Lancaster. Pull out the Bolt Action. Sit still for a minute and just listen. You’ll find him.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Head to the northwest of Wallace Station near the "W" in West Elizabeth.
- Apply Cover Scent Lotion and move toward the tree line on foot.
- Use Eagle Eye to look for tracks or the bear itself—look for a dark shape that moves much faster than a buck.
- Secure a clean headshot with a Rifle (not a repeater) to ensure you keep that 3-star rating for the Trapper.