what is kodiak bear

The Kodiak bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi) is a subspecies of the brown bear found exclusively on the Kodiak Archipelago in southwest Alaska. They are one of the largest recognized subspecies or populations of the brown bear and are considered by some to be a population of grizzly bears. Kodiak bears are often touted as the worlds largest land carnivore, but they are actually omnivores, using a variety of foods. They spend more time eating grass, plants, and berries than meat, and fish are an important part of their diets. Although generally solitary in nature, Kodiak bears often occur in large groups in concentrated feeding areas. Because of this, they have developed a complex language and social structure to express their feelings and avoid fights. Kodiak bears have interacted with humans for centuries, especially hunters and other people in the rural coastal regions of the archipelago. The bears are hunted for sport and are encountered by hunters pursuing other species. Less frequently, Kodiak bears are killed by people whose property (such as livestock) or person are threatened. In recent history, there has been an increasing focus on conservation and protection of the Kodiak bear population as human activity in its range increases.