Grizzly bear populations are extremely vulnerable s and have experienced unsustainable levels of human disturbance which have resulted in mortality and loss of habitat. This species is of special concern under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).

Description

The second largest land carnivore in North America; displays prominent hump on back which helps distinguish this species from the black bear; fur coat in a range of colours from white to brown to black; long, sharp front claws; adult males normally weigh 250kg to 300kg; sexual dimorphism with females weighing half as much as males.

Distribution/Habitat

The historical range is much broader then its current extent; found in northwest North America mostly in British Columbia and the Canadian Arctic; as human populations have increased, grizzly populations have responded by shrinking to nearly half of their previous extent.

Ecology

Grizzlies are solitary animal with large home ranges spanning 200 to 1800 km2. Their large size allows them to dominate over most other land animals with few challenges. They reach sexual maturity at 5 to 6 years; females produce young every 3 to 4 years; live up to 30 years. This animal becomes larthargic in winter and spends large amounts of time sleeping in a den; but they are not true hibernators. TOP OF PAGE

Diet

Prefer to prey on mammals and migrating salmon, but 80% to 90% of their diet consists of vegetation. Grizzlies dig for plant roots in the spring, then forage for leafy plants and berries in the summer; in spring prey upon newborn mammals including, elk, moose, deer and caribou. TOP OF PAGE

Threats

Grizzly bears have not been able to adapt to humans as well as black bears. Due to their ecology they require large areas of suitable land. Loss of habitat is the biggest threat to the survival of this species.

References

Text: North Cascades Grizzly Bear Recovery Team. 2004. Recovery Plan for Grizzly Bears in the North Cascades of British Columbia. http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/ wld/documents/recovery/ncgbrt_final.pdf. Accessed 30 Nov. 2006.

Text and Video Clip: Mundy, K. 1991. Hinterland whos who: Grizzly . From, http://www.hww.ca/ hww2.asp?id=90&cid=8. Accessed 30 Nov. 2006.