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Brown bear

The brown bear (*Ursus arctos*) is a large bear species found across parts of North America, Europe, and Asia.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The brown bear (*Ursus arctos*) is a large bear species found across parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is the most widely distributed bear in the world and is an omnivore with a variable diet that includes plants, fish, and small mammals. The species is currently listed as Least Concern globally.

Taxonomy and naming

Brown bears are the species *Ursus arctos* in the bear family Ursidae. The name "grizzly bear" is commonly used for some inland North American populations, which are part of the same species.

Distribution and habitat

Brown bears have a broad circumpolar range across North America, Europe, and Asia. They live in forests, mountains, tundra, and other large natural areas, with especially strong populations in parts of Russia, Alaska, and Canada.

Diet and behaviour

Brown bears are true omnivores and eat a highly varied diet that changes with season and location. They can fish, forage for plants and berries, and occasionally prey on small or medium-sized animals.

Conservation

The species is globally classified as Least Concern, but some regional populations have declined because of habitat loss, human conflict, and hunting. Conservation priorities often focus on maintaining large connected habitats and reducing conflicts with people.

Key facts

  • Brown bears are the most widely distributed bear species.
  • The species occurs in northern forests and mountains across Eurasia and North America.
  • Brown bears are omnivores and eat plants, berries, fish, and small mammals.
  • Adult size varies widely by sex, location, and season.
  • The species is listed as Least Concern globally, though some local populations are threatened.
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Canadian context

Brown bears are native to western Canada, where they remain an important part of forest and mountain ecosystems. Canadian readers may also encounter the term "grizzly bear," which commonly refers to inland brown bear populations.

Frequently asked questions

What is the scientific name of the brown bear?
The scientific name is *Ursus arctos*.
Are brown bears the same as grizzly bears?
Grizzly bear usually refers to some inland populations of brown bears in North America, so grizzlies are a type of brown bear.
Where do brown bears live?
Brown bears live in parts of North America, Europe, and Asia, especially in forests, mountains, tundra, and other large natural areas.
What do brown bears eat?
They are omnivores that eat plants, berries, fish, insects, and small mammals, depending on what is available.
Are brown bears endangered?
The species is listed as Least Concern globally, but some local populations are threatened or have declined.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/brown-bear
    Supports: Scientific name, family, and general native range.
  2. National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/facts/brown-bear
    Supports: Diet, lifespan, distribution, and conservation status.
  3. World Wildlife Fund — https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/brown-bear
    Supports: Conservation status, population estimate, habitat, and ecological role.
  4. U.S. National Park Service — https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/brown-bears.htm
    Supports: Diet, physical traits, grizzly terminology, and lifespan range.
  5. Alaska Department of Fish and Game — https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=brownbear.main
    Supports: North American distribution and use of the term brown bear for *Ursus arctos*.
  6. New Hampshire PBS NatureWorks — https://natureworks.nhpbs.org/animals/brown-bear/
    Supports: Circumpolar range and presence in western Canada.