Grizzly Bear Photos

Grizzly Bear resting on log in Southwest Alaska

Alaska is home to some of the wildest and most endangered wildlife. The Grizzly Bear is one of the most impressive.

Grizzly Bear and Cubs on Kodiak Island

The Grizzly Bear is found throughout all parts of Alaska - the only exception being the Frederick Island in the southeast panhandle of Alaska and parts of the Aleutian Islands in the western part of Alaska. The Grizzly Bear and the Brown Bear are the same species and the name can be used interchangeably. However, in general terms, the bears found along the coast are often referred to as "Brown Bears," and the bears of the central and interior parts of Alaska are often referred to as "Grizzly Bear." Also, the Grizzly Bear found on Kodiak Island are a unique subspecies due to their isolation both geographically and genetically. The most obvious difference is they have a slightly different shape of head and often tend to be larger than bears found on the mainland.

The most common color of the Grizzly Bear is a reddish brown, but that is by no means the only shade. In fact, many Grizzlies can appear so dark in color that they are often mistaken for Black Bears. The most important features to look for to determine whether you are looking at a Grizzly Bear or a Black Bear is the Grizzly Bear is usually much larger, has a hump just above its shoulders, smaller ears, and longer, straighter claws. The shoulder hump and claws are adaptations made through time because of the Grizzlies' eating habits. The Grizzly Bear will often dig up roots or excavating burrows of small animals. The shoulder strength also provides the burst of speed the Grizzly Bear needs for capture large animals such as Moose and Caribou.

Grizzlies have a pronounced "hump"

Male Grizzlies can weigh up to 1,400 pounds, but more commonly, the Grizzly Bear weighs in between 500 and 900 pounds during their heaviest time of year which is late Fall. Grizzlies can stand as high as nine feet tall when on their hind feet and can have a skull size of 18 inches long. The typical lifespan of a Grizzly Bear is about 22 years, but have been known to live as long as 34 years. The site and hearing of a Grizzly Bear is often thought to be poor, but it is in fact about equivalent to a human's. However, a Grizzly Bear's sense of smell is very perceptive and strong and under the right conditions may smell odors up to a mile away. The act of standing on its hind feet is often perceived as threatening, but is simply a way for the bear to get a better view or test the wind for faint smells.

Grizzly Bear standing for better view

Grizzlies eat a large variety of food including berries, grasses, roots, fish, and small animals such as ground squirrels, Pika, and marmots. Grizzlies will also hunt Moose, Caribou and even domestic animals. Also, with the close proximity to humans, Grizzlies have become accustomed in some places to human garbage.

Grizzly Bear are generally considered solitary creatures, but in some parts of Alaska, such as McNeil River, where there are large Salmon runs, Grizzlies congregate together once a year to feast upon the easy food source.

Alaska is home to 98 percent of the Nation's Grizzly Bear which not only gives us a unique view of their nature and world, but it also provides a healthy responsibility to respect and take care of the Grizzly Bear and its habitat.

McNeil River Grizzly Bear Fishing for Salmon

Grizzly Bear fishing at McNeil River

Books of Interest:

Among Grizzlies

- Alaska has a population of more than 30,000 Grizzly bears, almost all that survive in the United States. It makes sense that Australia-born bear lover Timothy Treadwell would make his way there, then. Among Grizzlies records his adventures among Alaskan bears over the last 10 years, and adventures they are: being awakened at dawn by curious Grizzly Bear cubs, being treed by irritated mama bears, being sized up by huge males as if for a midday snack.

The Grizzly Bear Family Book (The Animal Family Series) - Grade 3-5-A year in the life of Alaskan Grizzly Bears is presented through the eyes of a superb nature photographer. Readers see the challenges each season brings; behavior and habitat are presented in both the outstanding full-color photographs and in the narrative.