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Brown Bear

Just the word "grizzly" is enough to send chills down the spine of almost anyone familiar with the great bear. The grizzly, or brown bear, has long been a symbol of wild lands, and of Alaska. Until several years ago, biologists listed brown and grizzly bears as separate species. However, recent studies have shown the brown and grizzly to be the same species. All brown and grizzly bears are now classified as the species Ursos arctos. In popular usage, grizzly refers to the bears that live inland, while those found in coastal areas are called brown bears. In Southeast Alaska, brown bears occur on the mainland and the islands north of Frederick Sound.

The brown bear resembles its close relative the black bear, especially since black bears occur in many shades of brown and brown bears range in color from dark brown to blond. The brown bear, however, is usually larger than the black bear, and has a more prominent shoulder hump and longer, straighter claws. The brown bear also has a more massive head and a round, dish-shaped face. The brown bear is the largest land mammal in North America. Prior to denning in the fall, male brown bears weigh between 400 and 900 pounds with extremely large bears weighing as much as 1,400 pounds. Females weigh between 300 and 700 pounds. An extremely large brown bear may have a skull 18 inches long and, when standing on its hind feet, be about nine feet tall! Coastal brown bears are usually larger than inland bears, or grizzlies, possibly because of their rich supply of fish. Brown bears have lived 30 years in captivity, but in the wild, a brownie is an old-timer at 20. The large size of the brown bear can be attributed, in part, to its incredibly diverse omnivorous diet. Common brown bear foods include berries, grass and other plants, and fish. Brown bears will also eat game animals and carcasses when available, and are capable hunters of caribou and moose.

Historically, brown bears were thought to be ferocious monsters always looking for chances to prey on people. Today we know that brown bear attacks on humans are extremely rare and are usually the result of human error or lack of education. You can avoid bear confrontations by using common sense and a little bear knowledge. When in bear country, warn bears of your presence by making noise and entering dense thickets upwind. Don't camp on bear trails or near bear areas like salmon streams. In camp, cook and eat at least 100 yards downwind from your tent and hang all your food and garbage from a tree at night. ALWAYS let bears have the right of way! Brown bears are beautiful, magnificent animals that deserve their place as long-time residents of Alaska. With respect and a little planning, we human Alaskans can certainly continue to share this great land with our bear neighbors for a long time.

For more information about brown bears, view the Alaska Department of Fish and Game Wildlife Notebook Series.