Grizzlies

Grizzly bears are a North American subspecies of the brown bear (Ursus arctos), traditionally designated as Ursus arctos horribilis in some taxonomic schemes. They inhabit Alaska, western Canada, and portions of the northwestern United States, with historic ranges extending farther south and east. The term grizzly typically refers to inland populations, which often display lighter, grizzled fur compared with coastal brown bears.

Grizzlies are large omnivores with a pronounced shoulder hump of muscle used for digging. Coat color ranges from blond to dark brown, and individuals may appear grizzled. Adults can weigh from roughly 180 kilograms to over 600 kilograms, with males larger than females. They are capable climbers and strong swimmers and can run quickly when prompted.

They occupy a variety of habitats, including forests, alpine meadows, and river corridors, often near salmon streams. Grizzly bears are generally solitary, except during mating season or when a mother is with cubs. They den for the winter, and cubs typically remain with the mother for one to two years. Reproduction involves delayed implantation, with mating in spring followed by fertilized ovulation and a variable gestation period.

Diet varies by region but is broadly omnivorous, including berries, vegetation, insects, fish (notably salmon), and small mammals. Human activities such as habitat loss, fragmentation, and conflicts pose ongoing threats, and climate-related changes in food availability can affect local populations. Conservation status and protections differ by region: some grizzly bear populations are recovering or protected, while others remain threatened or managed under regional plans.