Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Field Notes • Mammal

Grizzly Bear

The grizzly bear is a North American subspecies of the brown bear, scientifically classified as *Ursus arctos horribilis*.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

The grizzly bear is a North American subspecies of the brown bear, known for its shoulder hump and grizzled fur. It's a large omnivore found mainly in Alaska and western Canada.

What it is

The grizzly bear (*Ursus arctos horribilis*) is a subspecies of the brown bear, identified by its large size, prominent shoulder hump, and silver-tipped fur. It belongs to the family Ursidae and is a mammal.

Key details

Grizzlies are omnivores, eating berries, roots, fish, and small mammals, though much of their diet is plant-based. Adults are 5 to 8 feet long, with males weighing 400 to 600 pounds on average, sometimes over 700. They live 20 to 30 years in the wild and inhabit forests, alpine areas, tundra, and coastal regions.

Why it matters

In Canada, grizzly bears are a species of Special Concern under COSEWIC, sensitive to human activities. They can be dangerous if surprised but generally avoid people. They play a key ecological role in western Canada, including British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.

In short

  • Grizzly bears are a North American subspecies of brown bear.
  • They are large omnivores with a mainly plant-based diet.
  • Found in Alaska, western Canada, and parts of the northwestern US.
  • Listed as Special Concern in Canada due to human impacts.
Canadian angle

Grizzly bears are an important Canadian species, especially in British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. In Canada they are listed by COSEWIC as a species of Special Concern, and Parks Canada notes their sensitivity to human activities.

Quick questions

How big is a grizzly bear?
Adults are often 5 to 8 feet long, and males commonly weigh about 400 to 600 pounds, though some exceed 700 pounds.
Where do grizzly bears live?
They live mainly in Alaska and western Canada, with smaller populations in parts of the northwestern United States.
Are grizzly bears dangerous?
They can be dangerous if surprised, approached, or threatened, but they usually avoid people when possible.

Sources

  1. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/grizzly-bear
    Supports: Classification as a subspecies of brown bear and general species overview.
  2. WWF Canada — https://wwf.ca/stories/10-grizzly-bear-facts/
    Supports: Diet includes fruits, roots, nuts, and leaves.
  3. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/grizzly-bear
    Supports: Scientific name, size, diet, lifespan, and general description.
  4. National Wildlife Federation — https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Mammals/Grizzly-Bear
    Supports: Size, diet, lifespan, and omnivorous feeding habits.
  5. BearWise — https://bearwise.org/about-bears/about-grizzly-bears/
    Supports: Danger to people, range in Alaska and northern Canada, and diet.
  6. — https://www.biodiversity.ca/???
  7. Parks Canada — https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/mtn/ours-bears/generaux-basics/grizzli-grizzly
    Supports: Canadian range, estimated populations, Special Concern status, lifespan, and diet.
  8. U.S. National Park Service — https://www.nps.gov/noca/learn/nature/grizzly-bears.htm
    Supports: Size and diet details, including height and weight range.