The grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) one of the emblem animals of United States, however, this has not allowed it to escape being one of the most endangered animals on the American continent. Grizzly bears are close relatives of brown bears on the Eurasian continent, but distance and time have caused them to differ in many ways.
There are various species of bears, but in this file on our site we talk in depth about the grizzly bear, its characteristics, habitat, reproduction and much more. Keep reading!
Origin of the grizzly bear
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) are a subspecies of brown bears (Ursus arctos), originating from Europe. After the retreat of the glaciers, more than 50,000 years ago, a passage was opened through which brown bears could reach the north of the American continent.
Over time, grizzly bears evolutionarily separated from their close relatives, establishing the subspecies in North America, which became remained in balance until the arrival of European colonizing humans, at which time bear populations drastically decreased. Over a 100-year period, grizzly bears lost approximately 98% of their territory.
Grizzly Bear Characteristics
The grizzly bear varies greatly in size and shape depending on which region of North America it comes from, although certain characteristics remain the same. For example, their bone structure is heavier than most bear species. Its four legs are approximately the same length as each other, ending in long claws that can reach 8 centimeters in length, being larger than black bears (Ursus americanus) or polar bears (Ursus maritimus).
The weight of these animals varies according to region, sex, time of year and age. For example, adult bears on the Alaska Peninsula, which typically feed on salmon, are the heaviest, at about 360 kilograms While bears in a very next, Yukon, by not eating fish, they weigh just over 150 kilograms. Females from the Alaska Peninsula weigh about 230 kilograms, while Yukon females do not usually exceed 100 kilograms in weight. On the other hand, during late summer and fall, bears gain weight, which they later lose during hibernation
Grizzly Bear Habitat
Grizzly bears inhabit Alaska, Canada, and the northwestern United States These regions are home to coniferous forests such as pines and firs. Although their life is closely linked to the wood of these trees, grizzly bears also need grasslands, scrub areas and riparian vegetation. The largest population of these bears is found in Alaska, where they find abundant food for their needs. Also, here they have large roaming areas These bears spend the day walking from one place to another in search of food, so their territories must be very large.
Grizzly Bear Feeding
Like other bears, grizzly bears are omnivorous animals. In the Alaska Peninsula and Yukon, their main food to survive all year is salmon. Although they need a lot of practice, in the end they end up being excellent fishermen.
Furthermore, bears also feed on fruits and nuts offered by the region's plants. In many cases, these nuts are essential to get the fat they will need during hibernation. They may also feed on grasses, leaves, bark, roots, and other plant parts. Although they seem like slow animals, grizzly bears are fast. In fact, they can hunt adult moose and many other prey.
Grizzly Bear Play
The grizzly bear mating season runs from May to July During this period, males have a more aggressive behavior, being more protective of their territories and the females that pass through them. When a male and female meet, a courtship ensues that includes chasing and playing for several hours. After copulation, both animals separate.
Female grizzly bears, like females of other bear species, are seasonal polyestrous with delayed implantation This means that they can have several heats during the season and that, once copulation and fertilization occur, the ovum does not implant in the uterus until several months later.
Pregnancy occurs during hibernation, which occurs during the cold months and can last up to six months. When this is ending, the young are born, between one and two These will spend between 2 and 4 years with their mother, until they become completely independent.
