Grizzly Bears
Grizzlies are actually a subspecies of the Brown Bear. The name "grizzly" comes from the grizzled appearance of the white, long hairs on the bears’ shoulders and back. They also have an excellent sense of smell and hearing. The bears tend to be active in the early morning and evening and are usually solitary animals, except during breeding season or during a salmon run. Unfortunately, the biggest threat to the Grizzly Bears is habitat destruction by human settlement and timbering.
RANGE: Sizable populations in Western Canada and Alaska. Small population in lower U.S. on west coast (less than 1,000 animals - mostly in Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks).
HABITAT: Tundra, alpine, meadows and coastline. Seasonal movements primarily toward food sources (berries, salmon streams).
LIFE EXPECTANCY: Up to 50 years in captivity .
BEHAVIOR: Generally solitary but will gather in large groups at major food sources.
DIET IN WILD: Plants, insects, snails, small rodents, berries and fish (salmon). May eat carrion and will sometimes kill and eat large animals (e.g. moose, cows).
DIET IN ZOO: Carnivore diet and vegetables. Omnivore biscuits.