Grizzly bear

Jasper Dwayne Reilander-4

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Griffes de grizzli

A054, Katmai National Park, Brooks Falls, Alaska, USA, bear and salmon, 2002

Grizzly Bear Family in Glacier National Park

Grizzlymumcubs-c01

Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), also known as the North American brown bear, is a large subspecies of the brown bear inhabiting North America. Scientists generally do not use the name grizzly bear but call it the North American brown bear. Multiple morphological forms sometimes recognized as subspecies exist, including the mainland grizzly (U. a. horribilis), Kodiak bear (U. a. middendorffi), peninsular grizzly (U. a. gyas), and the recently extinct California grizzly (U. a. californicus) and Mexican grizzly bear (U. a. nelsoni). However, these classifications are debated among biologists.

Description

Grizzly bears are distinguished by their large size, with males often weighing between 180–360 kg (400–790 lb), and females 130–200 kg (290–440 lb). They have a dished face, short, rounded ears, and a large shoulder hump, which is actually a muscle used to power their forelimbs in digging and to strike blows for defense. Their fur ranges from a light tan to dark brown and can appear grizzled, hence their name, due to white tips on the fur.

Habitat and Distribution

Grizzly bears are found in a variety of habitats, from dense forests to subalpine meadows, open plains, and Arctic tundra. They were once widespread across North America, from Alaska to Mexico and from California to the eastern shores of the Hudson Bay. Today, their range has significantly decreased, and they are primarily found in Alaska, western Canada, and isolated areas in the northwestern United States, including Idaho, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming.

Behavior

Grizzly bears are solitary animals, with the exception of mothers with cubs or gatherings at high-density food sources like salmon streams. They have a diverse diet that includes both plants and animals, making them omnivores. Their diet can range from berries, roots, and shoots to fish, mammals, and carrion. They are known for their ability to gain massive amounts of weight in the summer and fall, a critical adaptation for surviving winter hibernation.

Conservation Status

The grizzly bear is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but its populations in the contiguous United States are protected under the Endangered Species Act. The primary threats to grizzly bears include habitat loss, human-bear conflicts, and climate change impacts on their food sources.

Human Interactions

Human interactions with grizzly bears have been a source of both awe and conflict. While grizzly bears play a significant role in indigenous cultures and are a popular subject in North American folklore and media, they can pose a threat to human safety if surprised or if humans encroach on their territory. Effective bear safety practices and policies are crucial for coexistence.

See Also

• Brown bear
• Wildlife conservation
• Endangered Species Act