 |
Safety in
Grizzly and
Black Bear Country
Habits
Grizzly bears and black
bears are both omnivorous. That is, they eat whatever is available. They rely mainly on vegetation, such as roots, grass and berries, but also
eat fish, remains of dead animals, insects, small mammals such as ground
squirrels, prey on moose, muskox and caribou.
Food availability influences the seasonal distribution of grizzly and
black bears. Bears use different habitats at different times of the year
to take advantage of abundant, energy-rich food supplies as they become
available. In the mountains, for instance, grizzlies move to different
elevations as new vegetation emerges. Grizzlies and
black bears are generally dormant during the winter months. They
usually enter dens in October or November, and emerge in April
or May. However, a bear may leave its den early during warm
winters or if it is disturbed. Up to four (but usually two)
squirrel-size cubs are born in the den in midwinter.
Grizzly Bear Movements
Male barren-ground grizzly bears tend to roam widely. A male has
an average range of 6,685 sq. kms. This map shows the movement
of an individual male during the summer of 1997.
 |
The range of the
grizzly bear in the N.W.T.
Grizzly bears are found in the Mackenzie Mountains, the
Mackenzie Delta and across the barrens. They prefer open country
but may be found in the boreal forest. They do best in areas
isolated from human activity. |
 |
The range of the
black bear in the N.W.T.
Black bears are found in the forested regions of the Northwest
Territories, most commonly in the Mackenzie Valley. They are
occasionally sighted on the tundra. Black bears adapt quite well
to human activity. |
|
