READ MORE ABOUT IT...

©2001PencilPaws

Grizzly Bear

Ursus arctus

“Fierce”

     This massive but fast moving predator survives only in remote areas of the west and far north. In its natural home the Grizzly Bear has no enemies or predators. It is not especially territorial and will tolerate other grizzlies.

     The Grizzly Bear is an omnivore, which means it is equally satisfied by both vegetable and animal matter. Its diet includes fruits, berries, nuts, fish, rodents, and occasionally other mammals.

     Grizzly bears forage for food in the spring and summer. They feed heavily in the fall to build reserves for their winter sleep. They will usually dig their dens in the fall and will move into them when the ground is covered in snow and stay there until spring.

     Male Grizzly Bears attract mates by making low snorts and nibbling the females' backs and necks. Although mating occurs in June, the fertilized eggs are not implanted in the womb until fall. Gestation takes 180-250 days and birth occurs in the den during winter. The newborn cubs are blind, toothless and almost hairless. They are 8" long and weigh between 1-1 ½ lbs. They will remain in the den with their mother until spring, feeding on her rich milk.

     The Grizzly Bear takes its name from the long silver-tipped hairs on the back and shoulders, which gives its coat a grizzled appearance. It also has a large hump above its shoulders, a distinguishing characteristic, unlike the black bear, which does not.

     The Grizzly Bear is the fiercest and most aggressive of all bears.