1. What species of bear occur in Katmai? Brown bears (Ursus arctos) are the only bears to regularly inhabit Katmai National Park and Preserve. In 2005 there was one verified sighting of a black bear (Ursus americanus) in Katmai. This is the only verified sighting of a black bear in Katmai’s history. Black bears are more commonly found north of the park boundaries in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve.