* Threatened or Endangered
Grizzly Bear *
: Ursus arctos horribilis
: Mammal
: Alaska, western Canada, and portions of the U.S. including Idaho, Montana, Washington and Wyoming, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks
: Virtually anything that they come across including moose, elk, deer, fish, grass, forbs, grubs, moths and others
: Weight 400 to 1800 lbs., depending on habitat
: Threatened in the contiguous United States, and endangered in parts of Canada, hunted in Alaska and parts of Canada. Yellowstone bears appear to be doing well, some are moving into suitable habitat
The grizzly is noted for the large hump over the shoulders, which is a muscle mass used to power the front legs in digging. Despite their large size, grizzlies can run at speeds of up to 35 mph. Grizzlies, brown bears and Kodiak Island bears are all scientifically essentially the same bear that differs in size and color due to its diet and weather conditions. This animal was present in our local area in Lewis and Clark days (early 1800’s) and was written about extensively.
Respect native wildlife by remembering that…it’s wild! When enjoying native land where wildlife lives, always be aware, be safe, and leave no trace. Never approach, taunt, or feed wildlife. Interacting with them can be dangerous to you and to them. Instead, enjoy their beauty and their ecosystem without disturbing them. To learn more, follow these links:
gf.nd.gov/wildlife/orphaned
www.nationalparks.org/connect/blog/tips-safely-visiting-national-parks