Montana State Mammal
Grizzly Bear (common name) Ursus arctos horribilis (scientific name) Overview The grizzly bear is a very large brown bear found only in alpine wilderness areas of the western U.S. and Canada. It is the second largest of the world’s terrestrial carnivores. Threatened in the U.S., Montana is only one of five states with resident populations and is home to an estimated 600 grizzlies. In Montana, where the bear was designated the official state animal in 1953, it can be found in the northwest Montana Rockies, around Yellowstone National Park, and the Cabinet-Yaak area of western Montana. Close-up STATUS Official ALSO KNOWN AS Silvertip Bear PHYSICAL DETAILS Grizzly bears are generally larger and more heavily built than other bears. They can be distinguished from black bears, which also occur in the lower 48 states, by their longer, curved claws, humped shoulders, and a face that appears to be concave in profile. Grizzlies may be pale (almost luminous blond to reddish-blond to light brown) to darker brown to even black.  Males Females Size 3.28 ft (1 m) at the shoulder and may stand 6.5 ft (2 m) 3.28 ft (1 m) at the shoulder and may stand 6.5 ft (2 m) Weight 400-770 pounds (180 kg-350 kg) Females - 250-350 pounds (114-160 kg) LIFESPAN 25 years HABITAT Range: From Alaska south through much of western Canada, and into portions of the northwestern United States, extending as far south as Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Conservation: Vulnerable (VU) BEHAVIOR Grizzly bears very rarely exhibit predatory behavior toward humans. However, a bear that has been exposed to human food or garbage may become dangerous and aggressive toward people. A solitary animal, a male's home range may be as large as 1,120 square miles (1,800 sq km). A female grizzly is extremely protective of her offspring and will attack if she thinks she or her cubs are threatened. Top land speed recorded: 30 mph (48 kph) DIET Roots, tubers, grasses, berries and other vegetation; small rodents, fish, carrion, and even garbage and human food if it is easily available. OFFSPRING Breeding interval: 3–4 years Birthing period: January–February Average litter size: 2 cubs Cub size at birth: 14.1 oz (400 g), measuring less than 8.9 in (22.5 cm) TRIVIA Formerly, taxonomists listed brown and grizzly bears as separate species. Now, brown and grizzly bears are classified as the same species, Ursus arctos. The term "brown bear" is commonly used to refer to the members of this species found in coastal areas where salmon is the primary food source. Brown bears found inland and in northern habitats are often called "grizzlies." In 1981, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hired a grizzly bear recovery coordinator to direct recovery efforts and to coordinate all agency efforts on research and management of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states.  Recovery of the grizzly bear covers four states and two U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regions.  The common name "grizzly" is derived from the term "grizzled," which refers to hair that is either flecked with gray at the ends or is a mixture of gray and darker colors. It is from this "grizzled" nature of the coat that the title "silvertip" is also applied to the grizzly bear.
	Click to enlarge an image Male Grizzly Bear Juvenile Grizzly Bear Pair of Grizzly Cubs Playing Grizzly Bears Hunting for Salmon CLASSIFICATION Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Ursidae Genus: Ursus Species: U. arctos Subspecies: U. a. horribilis
	Data Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Author: World Trade Press