Grizzly bears are large and powerful animals with considerable size variation depending on sex, population, and habitat. Size and Weight:
- Adult male grizzly bears typically weigh between 400 and 1,000 pounds (180 to 450 kg), with some coastal males reaching up to 816 kg (about 1,800 pounds)
- Females are generally smaller, weighing between 130 and 700 pounds (59 to 318 kg), often about 10% less than males
- In some regions, such as the Alaskan peninsula, males average around 389 kg (858 lb), while northern interior males are smaller, around 139 kg (306 lb)
Length and Height:
- Grizzlies range from about 5.5 to 8 feet (1.68 to 2.44 meters) in body length
- When standing on their hind legs, males can reach approximately 7 to 8 feet tall (2.1 to 2.4 meters), with some reports up to 9 feet (2.7 meters)
- Shoulder height averages around 3 to 4 feet (about 1 to 1.2 meters)
Additional Physical Traits:
- They have a muscular build with a distinctive shoulder hump.
- Fur color varies from blond to dark brown, often with lighter tips giving a "grizzled" appearance
In summary, grizzly bears are among the largest North American bears, with adult males commonly weighing between 400 and 1,000 pounds and standing up to 7-8 feet tall on their hind legs, while females are smaller but still substantial in size. Their size varies significantly by region and food availability.
