Grizzly Bear

Ursus arctos horribilis 

Range

• Grizzlies roam in home ranges of 10-50 miles across western parts of Canada, all of Alaska, and the northwestern United States.

Habitat

• Grizzlies live in grassy, open woodlands in mountains, flatlands, and along coastlines.

Diet

Grizzlies are omnivores and will eat anything including:

• Grass
• Insects
• Fish
• Fruit
• Nuts
• Carrion
• Live prey

Weight

• Males ~ 600 lbs.
• Females ~ 500 lbs.

Lifespan

• 20 – 30 years.

Conservation Status

The grizzly bear has a stable and sustainable population in the North American wild. However, among the many factors affecting their way of life, human interactions can have the most impact. Some bears find the urban environment too enticing and must be relocated, such as the bears exhibited at the Tulsa Zoo.

What is a “Problem” Bear?

As living spaces overlap, bears risk conflict with humans when attractants such as bird feeders, cattle grain, campgrounds or garbage are too hard to resist and make the bear a threat to human safety. State wildlife agencies balance wild bear conservation with a “three strikes and you’re out” policy for those consistently unwilling to abandon unnatural food sources. Repeat offenders can face an uncertain future, but fortunately, some zoos can provide these bears with excellent care in a secure home.

The fur bears the name

Hairs tipped with silver or blond give this bear its namesake “grizzled” appearance. A distinctive hump at its shoulders and dark areas around the eyes also help distinguish this subspecies from other brown bears.

Did you know?

• A female bear is called a “sow”; a male bear is called a “boar”.
• A grizzly bear can run 30 mph.