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Grizzly Bear

(Ursus arctos)

Size:

  • 6 to 9 ft. (1.8 to 2.7 m) tall when standing on hind legs.  
  • 3 to 3-1/2 ft. (1 m) tall at the shoulder.  
  • Males weigh 325 to 1,000 lb. or more (150 to 450 kg). Females are smaller.

Distribution in North America:

grizzly photo by John Herron, TX

The grizzly also has a subspecies, the larger, Alaksan or coastal brown bear.

tracks
Tracks
front: 4" x 6"  
hind: 5" x 12"

Habitat:

  • Mountainous and wilderness areas around rockslides, talus slopes, subalpine openings and forest fire openings where berries and rodents are common.
  • In the coastal regions they come to estuaries for the new vegetation in spring and salmon spawning streams when the fish are running.

Notes:

  • Larger than black bear.
  • Usually blond or brownish with silver-tipped guard hairs, but can be almost black.
  • Shoulder hump, concave face, long claws.
  • Found alone or in family group (female and cubs).
  • Omnivorous, will eat any plant or animal, including carrion.

See the Montana Department of Natural Resources website (http://fwp.state.mt.us/bearid/) for a self-test on grizzly and black bear identification in the field. It is an excellent resource and also has a training section.

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More information on this species

Be sure to check local regulations for hunting or trapping information on this species.

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