by Kim Sharpe

Created on: November 13, 2008

Is there any North American animal that inspires more awe then the Grizzly Bear? To see one is an unforgettable experience. They are pure unadulterated power. A full grown Grizzly will weigh in at an astonishing 600 pounds plus. When the Grizzly stands on its hind legs it will often tower twelve feet but is normally closer to seven or eight feet. It can be the ultimate killing machine given the chance.

The Grizzly Bear once roamed most of the lower forty eight states but is now is confined to only Alaska, Montana, Wyoming,Washington, and Idaho. Throughout the years it has been ruthlessly hunted for a variety of reasons. Some people have hungered for the prestige of killing a Grizzly and others have simply killed them due to their fear of the bear killing livestock or people. Many people have desired the beautiful fur coat it wears as a blanket, rug, or trophy. Many hunters wish for nothing more then a Grizzly head mounted on the wall.

Grizzlies tend to live a solitary life. The only expectation to this rule is a mother bear and her cubs. The cubs will remain with their mothers for two to three years. But generally they seem to prefer to be loners except when nature dictates they gather together to partake of a stream full of salmon. When summer spawning season hits you will see the bears congregate on the riverbanks as they compete for the best choice salmon. The bears actually are not complete gluttons as they eat fish after fish. They are in actual desperate need of the necessary fats that the salmon will supply to aid the bear in living through the long harsh winters.

The Grizzly bear hibernates when the snow falls. They will normally seek out a cave or dig a nice deep den that they will pack with bedding. During this time the bear will fall into a sleep for five to six months. It will not leave its den during this time period and will sustain itself on its accumulated fat. Females will give birth during this time to their young which will average one to three cubs. When spring finally arrives the bears will emerge from their hideaways to feed their famished bodies.

The Grizzly is truly the ultimate predator. They are built for power with their muscular bodies, deadly teeth, and razor sharp claws. Few animals can escape them when a they are in hunting mode. A Grizzly can cover a great deal of ground at a break neck speed of up to thirty miles per hour. Unfortunately many humans have been in combat with the animals when they have surprised or startled them in the wild. Many mother bears view humans as a serious threat and will not hesitate to attack if they have young close when the encounter takes place. A man and a bear are no match. The man will easily loose to these deadly animals.

They have a very diverse diet that not only consists of meat but also nuts, berries, leaves, and greenery. Their claws are ideal not only for hunting but also for digging up even the deepest roots. They teeth are made to tear flesh but also to crunch up and choose the choicest leaves.

Once the proud Grizzly was fifty thousand strong but today there are less then 1300 in the lower forty eight. The Grizzly is an American icon and many people work to preserve the breed in its wild habitat because to loose it would be a travesty beyond words.

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