Species › Mammals › Grizzly Bear

Grizzly Bear

Ursus arctos

RareMammal
Illustration of Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos)
Safety note: Dangerous — observe from a safe distance.

The Grizzly Bear is a massive brown bear recognized by its prominent shoulder hump and dished facial profile. It is an omnivore capable of running 35 mph and is known to fish for salmon during upstream migrations. Grizzlies play a vital ecological role by dispersing seeds and turning over soil while foraging.

Habitat
Mountain forests, meadows, tundra, and river valleys
Diet
Berries, roots, fish, insects, and large mammals
How common
Rare

Best time to see a Grizzly Bear

The best time to see a Grizzly Bear is May–July, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 7,404 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Not certain it is a Grizzly Bear? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Often confused with

American Black Bear - see how to tell them apart

Recent Grizzly Bear sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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