Grizzly Bears


Grizzly bears are one of the largest in the bear family.

Below you will find


Grizzly Bears

Grizzly bears are the largest land carnivores in the world.

People usually think that grizzly bears are very aggressive and dangerous animals, however, grizzlies are not likely to attack humans unless they are wounded, provoked, cornered or are defending their young or a carcass.

You can usually distinguish a grizzly bear from other bears such as the black bear by a shoulder hump. This hump is the highest point on the body.

Grizzly bears are usually brown, however, their coat may vary from black to almost white.

Grizzly bears can be 6 to 9 feet long from the tip of their nose to the end of their tale.

They can weigh anywhere between 400 to 1000 pounds.

The hair on a grizzly bear is thick close to the skin, and up to three inches on top; called guard hair.

The tail on a grizzly is very short.

Grizzlies have small rounded ears unlike the brown bear who has larger pointed ears.

Grizzly bears have a lot of teeth, 42 to be exact!

Grizzly bears walk flat-footed similar to humans.

They can live between 15 to 25 years, some even make it to 30 years but this is very rare.

Grizzlies can travel almost 35 miles per hour for a long time.

The mating season for the grizzly is between May and June.

Safety Tips When Entering Bear Territory

When heading into bear territory you should be on alert for any signs of bear activity, such as fresh tracks, droppings, or a carcass. If you do come across such a sign, it is a good idea to turn back or take an alternate route.

When camping or hiking be sure to store food and garbage properly when in grizzly territory. Put all foods in tightly sealed containers. Campers should also cook away from their campsite and make sure that food waste is disposed away from the site. Grizzlies have an acute sense of smell, and can detect food odours miles away from its location.

Female grizzlies are very protective of their cubs, if you come across grizzly cubs take it as a sign of danger, turn around and try to avoid them at all times.

Grizzly bears are most likely to attack when they are surprised.If you make a lot of noise such as clapping or talking loudly, this will normally alert a bear of your presence long before they get close enough to be surprised.

If you happen to come across a grizzly bear, and it starts to run at you, play dead. Lay down on you stomach and cover your head. Always try to remain on your stomach. Do not run or fight back, this will only make things worse.


Great bear links!

Algonquin Park Stories: Stories of people and bear encounters.
Bear Information: Good resource on bear information.
Bear Facts in Mountain Parks: Information on bears in parks.

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