Grizzly bears are large brown bears easily recognised by their muscular shoulder hump, long curved claws and concave facial profile. In the lower 48 states, adult males typically weigh 400–600 pounds and females 250–350 pounds. Their fur ranges from blond to almost black. These omnivores occupy a wide range of habitats from alpine meadows and tundra to coastal rainforests.
In regions where grizzly hunting is legal, hunts are strictly regulated and conducted under fair‑chase principles. British Columbia outfitters, for example, prohibit baiting and rely on spot‑and‑stalk tactics; hunters glass mountainsides for bears feeding on berries, carrion or salmon and then approach on foot. Shots may range from 50 to 300 yards. Spring hunts target bears emerging from hibernation, while fall hunts coincide with salmon runs and berry crops. Access is typically by 4×4, boat or on foot, and hunters must obtain special draw permits and follow strict weapon and safety regulations.
Grizzly bears once ranged across much of western North America but were extirpated from 98 % of their U.S. range by the early 20th century. They are currently listed as threatened in the contiguous United States and endangered in Washington. Conservation priorities include protecting large, connected habitats, reducing human‑bear conflicts and ensuring sustainable food supplies. Hunting is banned in several states and provinces to aid recovery, but limited harvests continue in parts of Alaska and Canada where populations are stable; licence revenues support research and local communities.
Grizzly bears are solitary and non‑territorial. They den for 4–6 months and must consume calorie‑rich foods, including berries, roots, salmon and carrion, to build fat reserves before hibernation. Grizzlies can live up to 25 years and will travel long distances to exploit seasonal food sources. Identifying bear signs and understanding their behaviour are critical skills for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Grizzly Bear can be found in the following location:
Grizzly Bear has the following variations:
- (Varieties to be confirmed)
