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Science & Nature • Mammal

Grizzly Bear

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

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

The grizzly bear is a North American subspecies of the brown bear, scientifically classified as *Ursus arctos horribilis*. It is a large omnivorous mammal known for its shoulder hump, grizzled fur, and wide-ranging diet. Grizzly bears live mainly in Alaska and western Canada, with smaller populations in parts of the northwestern United States.

Taxonomy and description

The grizzly bear is a subspecies of the brown bear and is identified by its large size, shoulder hump, and grizzled or silver-tipped fur. The scientific name is *Ursus arctos horribilis*.

Range and habitat

Grizzly bears live mainly in Alaska, western Canada, and parts of the northwestern United States. They use a wide range of habitats, including forests, alpine areas, tundra, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal regions.

Diet and behaviour

Grizzly bears are omnivores that eat berries, roots, grasses, nuts, fish, insects, carrion, and small mammals. Although they are powerful predators, plant foods make up a large share of their diet.

Size, lifespan, and conservation

Adult grizzlies commonly weigh several hundred pounds, with males typically larger than females. Mature bears may live 20 to 30 years in the wild, and in Canada they are considered a species of Special Concern.

Key facts

  • Grizzly bears are a subspecies of brown bear found in North America.
  • They are omnivores, but much of their diet is plant-based.
  • Adults can be very large and powerful, with males larger than females.
  • They occur mainly in Alaska and western Canada, with some populations in the northwestern United States.
  • In Canada, grizzly bears are listed as a species of Special Concern by COSEWIC.
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Canadian context

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is a grizzly bear?
A grizzly bear is a North American subspecies of the brown bear, *Ursus arctos horribilis*.
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.
What do grizzly bears eat?
They are omnivores that eat berries, roots, grasses, nuts, fish, insects, carrion, and small mammals.
How long do grizzly bears live?
In the wild, mature grizzly bears can live about 20 to 30 years.

References

  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.