Grizzly Bear

The shoulder hump is one of the distinguishing characteristics of a grizzly bear

The grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) in British Columbia is blue-listed (at risk). Half of Canada's grizzly bear population lives in B.C. and one of every four bears remaining in North America lives here in the province.

Map

Biodiversity Interactive Map - Grizzly Bear

Range

• In North America, present range includes Alaska, northern and western Canada, north-western U.S. including Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Wyoming.
• Found throughout B.C. with the exception of Vancouver Island and Queen Charlotte Islands.
• Throughout the Columbia Basin in suitable habitat.

Habitat

Now found mostly in arctic tundra, alpine tundra, and subalpine mountain forests. Most populations require huge areas of suitable habitat. Typically digs own hibernation den, usually on steep northern slope where snow accumulates.

Reproduction

• Breeds in late spring and early summer
• Gestation lasts about 184 days.
• Litter size is 1-4 (average 2)
• Young are born in winter; remain with mother usually the first two winters.

Listing and Date

Threats to Species

• Humans (poaching and killing associated with poor garbage management)
• Habitat loss and fragmentation from forestry, fire suppression and human settlement

Select Reports

• North Kootenay Lake Bear Smart Program 2009
• West Slopes Bear Project 1995

For more information on this species, visit: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wld/grzz/ and The Species at Risk Public Registry and/or, The BC Species and Ecosystem Explorer where you should enter grizzly bear in the Species Name field.