Grizzly Bear

The grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) is a large MAMMAL of the order CARNIVORA. The grizzly or brown bear differs from other North American carnivores in that, like other BEARS, it eats primarily PLANT matter. Grizzlies opportunistically kill or scavenge animals, especially ungulates, ground squirrels and insects. Coastal populations feed heavily on fish and shellfish. They are also attracted to edible garbage. In fall they dig dens and begin a 4-7 month dormant period during which they usually do not eat, urinate or defecate.

Description
Grizzlies have longer front claws and are larger than BLACK BEARS. Large males may weigh 250-400 kg; large females, 150-200 kg. Grizzlies have a hump on the back and a dish-shaped facial profile. They range from black through brown to blond. Often the ends of hair on the flanks, back and shoulders are grizzled (eg, have white or grey flecks).

Reproduction and Development
Courtship and copulation occur mid-May through early July; embryo implantation is delayed until fall. In delayed implantation the embryo develops slowly, while floating in the uterus. Eventually, it becomes attached to the wall of the uterus and development continues normally until birth. Young are born in January and February. Newborns weigh about 0.5 kg, are very immature, and are nursed inside dens for up to 3 months. Litters average 2 young (range 1-4). Females breed about once every 3 years (range 2-5 years). Grizzlies thus have few young and HUNTING must be carefully regulated to maintain a population. In the wild most die before reaching adulthood; 15-25 years is considered old.

Aggression

Mothers may defend their young and males may fight, especially during breeding season. Occasionally, aggression is directed toward humans: in Canada's NATIONAL PARKS, about 1 visitor in 2 million is injured by a grizzly. Grizzlies may stand on their hind legs when sensing their environment. They typically charge on 4 legs and can run at least 50 km/h.

Distribution and Habitat

Grizzlies prefer semi-open habitats; an adult male may have a home range of 1000-1500 km². As human populations have expanded, grizzly bear numbers have declined. They were extirpated from the PRAIRIES by about 1900. Today, three-quarters of the 27 000 to 29 000 grizzly bears in Canada are found in BC and Yukon. There are also populations in Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The grizzly is considered a vulnerable ENDANGERED ANIMAL. Grizzlies were sacred yet fearsome animals to most Aboriginal peoples.

Author STEPHEN HERRERO

Links to Other Sites
Natural History Notebooks
View illustrated descriptions of a huge variety of Canadian animal species, prehistoric creatures, and endangered/extinct animals. A Canadian Museum of Nature website.

Canadian Biodiversity Website
A great information source for all budding biologists. Learn about biodiversity theory, natural history, and conservation issues. From McGill’s Redpath Museum.

Yellowstone To Yukon Conservation Initiative
The website for the Yellowstone To Yukon Conservation Initiative, an international organization that seeks to preserve and maintain the wildlife species and habitats in the mountainous region from Yellowstone National Park to the Yukon Territory. Features territorial maps, wildlife profiles, and descriptions of related environmental issues.

Khutzeymateen/K'tzim-a-Deen Grizzly Sanctuary Provincial Park
An information page about Canada's only grizzly bear sanctuary, currently under the joint management of the province of British Columbia and the Tsimshian Nation.

Bear 71
"Bear 71" offers an interactive close-up tour of Banff National Park narrated by a female grizzly bear. From the National Film Board of Canada.