Kodiakbjörn

Kodiak bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi), known as kodiakbjörn in Swedish, is a subspecies of the brown bear native to the Kodiak Archipelago in Alaska. It is among the largest land carnivores, with adult males typically weighing 360–680 kg and females 170–320 kg.

The Kodiak bear occupies coastal forests, meadows, and salmon streams on Kodiak Island and neighboring Afognak and other islands within the archipelago. Its diet is omnivorous, with salmon making up a major portion during the summer months; berries, roots, grasses, and small mammals also contribute.

Behaviorally, Kodiak bears are mostly solitary, meeting mainly for mating or when food is abundant. Mothers with cubs form the core social unit. They den in winter and may wake during mild winters or early spring.

Reproduction involves breeding from late spring to early summer; fertilized eggs implant in the uterus only after the female has accumulated sufficient fat. Litters typically consist of 1–3 cubs and remain with their mother for about two years.

The population on Kodiak Island is large and considered stable; the subspecies is not globally endangered. In Alaska, hunting is regulated and bear viewing is a popular activity, with safety protocols in place to minimize conflicts with humans and bears. Ongoing monitoring considers climate-related changes in salmon runs, which influence food availability.