The Grizzly Bear

Fig 1. Animal Protection Party of Canada. Grizzly Bear Management Failing, Trophy Hunting Off the Hook in Auditor General’s Report.

Trekking through Alaskan bush, you stop to appreciate the scenery around you. Birds sing, squirrels leap and crash overhead, and the hardy foliage rustles in the wind. You hear the innocuous crackling of twigs behind you and turn to survey even more wildlife. Peering into the thick underbrush that surrounds the trail, you try to make out the source of the nearing noise when, to your dismay, you catch sight of a 600-pound grizzly bear making its way towards you.

Grizzly bears were titans of many North American ecosystems prior to the westward expansion. A surviving remnant of megafauna from a time of larger animals on Earth, the grizzly’s size and known ferocity are hallmarks of its character. Following the pursuit of a new founded America’s “manifest destiny”, these large bears were pushed from many of the more southern regions that they inhabited. Today, grizzlies are largely confined to the rough regions of Canada and Alaska.

The scenario above wouldn’t be unlikely, and it would certainly be a terrifying one. Grizzly bears are known to live their lives relatively isolated from those of their kind. Apex predators, people travelling through grizzly occupied areas need to remain wary of these solo stalkers—their low numbers (if any), and natural camouflage easily hiding them from sight. Grizzly bears are one of the largest sub species of brown bear, passed though by their relative sub species, the Kodiak bear. With that, grizzlies are often cited for their sheer mass and power. The average grizzly comes in around 8 feet in length, weighs 800 pounds, and may have paws over a foot in diameter. These bears are typically a very dark brown, allowing them to blend in with the habitat around them—though their sometimes white-tipped hair can give them a ‘grizzled appearance’ (and consequently their namesake).

Fig 2. National Wildlife Federation’s Blog. Grizzly Bears: Two Truths and a Myth.

While these creatures’ size and known dietary habits might lead most to believe they are solely flesh eaters, grizzly bears are actually omnivorous, feasting on plants as well as animals. Though they might feast on anything from a small rodent to an animal as large as a moose, bears also consume large amounts of nuts, berries, insects, roots, fruit, and foliage. Grizzly bears may consume up to 90 pounds of food a day.

In terms of predation, grizzlies dominate their ecosystems. Running at speeds as fast as 30 miles an hour, claws up to 4 inches in length, and with a bite force of about 1,200 psi (pounds per square inch), these bears have no trouble hunting, as well as defending themselves and their young. Known to be territorial, there are reports of grizzly bears attacking humans that startle them in their habitat. Worse yet, mother bears are extremely aggressive when other animals and people get between them and their young.

Fig 3. Off Grid Quest. After 30 Years As An Endangered Species, The Grizzly Bear To Come Off The List?.

If you are ever unfortunate enough to encounter a grizzly bear in the wild, there are recommended tips for how to proceed. While these are not guarantees of your safety, they are your best chance in a dire situation. If you are to face a grizzly bear, don’t attempt to run away from it, as that will invite pursuit. Avoid direct eye contact, so as to not challenge the animal. If the bear does not approach you, walk away from it slowly; however, if it does approach, your only option is to stand your ground. As directed by PBS, speaking in a muted monotone while waving your arms will often lead it to be uninterested in you, as grizzlies do not actively seek humans. If under attack, it is recommended to curl up in a ball on your side or to lie flat on your stomach.

Grizzly bears are certainly forces to be reckoned with in nature. Their size and tenacity should make anyone wary of going through their territory. With that though, these animals are things of beauty and, while you might not want to get a close up look, they more than deserve to be marveled at from afar.

             

             

             

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