Interesting Facts, History & Information About Bears Ears

Bears Ears National Monument is a stunningly beautiful and culturally rich region in southeastern Utah. This vast area is home to a diverse range of plants and animals, as well as numerous archaeological sites and historic landmarks.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most interesting facts, history, and information about Bears Ears, including its significance to Native American tribes, its geological features, and its importance as a protected natural and cultural resource.

Interesting facts about Bears Ears

Bears Ears National Monument is a 1.35 million-acre protected area in southeastern Utah that was designated as a national monument by President Barack Obama in December 2016. Here are some interesting facts about Bears Ears:

1. Bears Ears National Monument is named after two prominent buttes that resemble a bear’s ears.
2. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years by Native American tribes, including the Hopi, Navajo, Ute, and Zuni.
3. The Bears Ears region contains one of the highest concentrations of archaeological sites in the United States, including cliff dwellings, rock art, and ancient ruins.
4. Bears Ears National Monument is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Utah, with over 1,500 plant species and over 200 bird species.
5. The area is also home to several endangered species, including the Mexican spotted owl, the Colorado pikeminnow, and the razorback sucker.
6. The creation of the national monument was controversial, with some locals and politicians arguing that it would restrict access to public lands and harm the local economy.
7. In December 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to significantly reduce the size of the Bears Ears National Monument, which was met with widespread protests and legal challenges.
8. In 2021, the Biden administration announced plans to restore the original boundaries of the national monument, a move that was praised by environmentalists and Native American tribes.
9. The Bears Ears region is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, camping, and other recreational activities.
10. The Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition, made up of five Native American tribes, played a significant role in the push for the designation of Bears Ears as a national monument and continues to advocate for the protection of the area’s cultural and natural resources.

Information & History of Bears Ears

Bears Ears is a region in southeastern Utah that is home to a wealth of cultural and natural resources. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years by Native American tribes, including the Hopi, Navajo, Ute, and Zuni. Here is some information and history about Bears Ears:

1. Cultural Significance: The Bears Ears region is a significant cultural site for many Native American tribes. It contains hundreds of thousands of archaeological sites, including cliff dwellings, rock art, and ancient ruins. These sites represent the history and cultural traditions of the indigenous peoples who have lived in the region for thousands of years.
2. Political History: The push to protect Bears Ears as a national monument began in the early 2010s. In 2016, the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition, made up of five Native American tribes, submitted a proposal to President Barack Obama to protect the area as a national monument. In December 2016, President Obama designated Bears Ears National Monument, setting aside 1.35 million acres of land for preservation and protection.
3. Environmental Significance: The Bears Ears region is a significant ecological site, containing one of the highest concentrations of plant and animal species in Utah. The area is home to over 1,500 plant species and over 200 bird species, as well as several endangered species.
4. Controversies: The designation of Bears Ears as a national monument has been controversial, with some locals and politicians arguing that it would restrict access to public lands and harm the local economy. In December 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to significantly reduce the size of the Bears Ears National Monument, a move that was met with widespread protests and legal challenges.
5. Restoration: In 2021, the Biden administration announced plans to restore the original boundaries of the national monument, a move that was praised by environmentalists and Native American tribes.
6. Recreational Activities: The Bears Ears region is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, camping, and other recreational activities. The area’s natural beauty and cultural significance make it a unique and valuable resource for visitors to Utah.

Read more about monuments:

• Interesting Facts, History & Information About The Basin and Range
• Interesting Facts, History & Information About Bandelier
• Interesting Facts, History & Information About The Aztec Ruins
• Interesting Facts, History & Information About Aniakchak
• Interesting Facts, History & Information About Alibates Flint Quarries

FAQ about Bears Ears:

What is Bears Ears?

Bears Ears is a region in southeastern Utah that is home to a wealth of cultural and natural resources. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years by Native American tribes, and it contains hundreds of thousands of archaeological sites, including cliff dwellings, rock art, and ancient ruins.

Why is Bears Ears important?

Bears Ears is significant both culturally and environmentally. The area has deep cultural significance for many Native American tribes, and it contains one of the highest concentrations of plant and animal species in Utah. The region’s natural beauty and cultural resources make it a unique and valuable resource for visitors to Utah.

What is the Bears Ears National Monument?

Bears Ears National Monument is a protected area in southeastern Utah that was designated as a national monument by President Barack Obama in December 2016. The designation set aside 1.35 million acres of land for preservation and protection.

Why was Bears Ears National Monument controversial?

The designation of Bears Ears National Monument was controversial, with some locals and politicians arguing that it would restrict access to public lands and harm the local economy. In December 2017, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to significantly reduce the size of the monument, a move that was met with widespread protests and legal challenges.

What is the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition?

The Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition is a group of five Native American tribes that played a significant role in the push to protect Bears Ears as a national monument. The coalition includes the Hopi, Navajo, Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, and Zuni tribes.

What recreational activities are available in Bears Ears?

The Bears Ears region is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, camping, and other recreational activities. The area’s natural beauty and cultural significance make it a unique and valuable resource for visitors to Utah.

What is the current status of Bears Ears?

In 2021, the Biden administration announced plans to restore the original boundaries of the Bears Ears National Monument, a move that was praised by environmentalists and Native American tribes. The status of the monument remains a contentious issue, with ongoing legal challenges and political debates.