Type: Mammal
Diet: Omnivore
Average lifespan in the wild: 25 years
Size: 5 to 8 ft (1.5 to 2.5 m)
Weight: 800 lbs (363 kg)
Protection status: Threatened
What does a grizzly bear look like?
A subspecies of the larger coastal brown bear, the grizzly bear gets its name from the grayish, or grizzled, tips of its fur. Grizzlies are typically brown, though their fur can appear to be white-tipped, or grizzled, lending them their traditional name. The grizzly also has a large hump over the shoulders, which is a muscle mass used to power the forelimbs in digging. This muscle is commonly used to dig for their various vegetative food sources. The hind legs are more powerful, however. The muscles in the lower legs provide enough strength for the bear to stand up and even walk short distances on its hind legs, giving it a better view of its surroundings.
Grizzly Bear video.
Where do grizzly bears live?
Grizzly bears are found in Asia, Europe and North America, giving them one of the widest ranges compared to other bear species. The grizzly bear originated in Eurasia and traveled to North America approximately 50,000 years ago.[12] This is a very recent event in evolutionary time, causing the North American grizzly bear to be very similar to the brown bears inhabiting Europe and Asia. In North America, grizzly bears previously ranged from Alaska to Mexico and as far east as the Hudson Bay area.
What does a grizzly bear eat?
Grizzly bears are powerful, top-of-the-food-chain predators, yet much of their diet consists of nuts, berries, fruit, leaves, and roots. Bears also eat other animals, from rodents to moose.
Dramatic gatherings of grizzly bears can be seen at prime Alaskan fishing spots when the salmon run upstream for summer spawning. In this season, dozens of bears may gather to feast on the fish, craving fats that will sustain them through the long winter ahead.
How big is a grizzly bear?
The size of grizzly bears varies from range to range depending on the food supply. Adult males tip the scales at 850 pounds while females weigh in at a "diminutive" 450 pounds. A grizzly bear standing on its hind legs can be as tall as 7 feet. Their large size, however, does not slow them down. When these bears "put the pedal to the medal" they can reach speeds of 35 mph.
How fast is a Grizzley bear?
Despite their impressive size, grizzlies are quite fast and have been clocked at 30 miles (48 kilometers) an hour. They can be dangerous to humans, particularly if surprised or if humans come between a mother and her cubs.
Did you know this about Grizzley Bears?
Researchers are very interested in the grizzly bear's ability to eat large amounts and store lots of fat for hibernation without suffering from heart disease or cholesterol problems.
A grizzly bear will challenge a pack of wolves for its kill, resulting in a game of cat and mouse as the wolves attempt to bait and and thwart the much larger predator.
A subordinate grizzly bear will move away, or sit or lie down, to avoid confrontation. It may also look the other way, perhaps yawning with feigned disinterest, to indicate it has no ill intentions.
The grizzly bear is an opportunistic feeder. When the opportunity strikes, it will even prey on large mammals, such as moose, elk, mountain goats and mountain sheep.
Grizzly Bear images
Grizzly Bear Wallpapers
Download free Grizzly Bear wallpapers, click on the image to open the large version.
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Grizzly Bear Coloring pages
Print free Grizzly Bear coloring pages, click on the image to open the large version.
