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Safety in
Grizzly and
Black Bear Country
The Nature of Bears
Description
Black bears are sometimes
confused with grizzly bears because the two species may appear similar
in size, and both vary in colour from black to brown, cinnamon or blond.
The two species can be distinguished by several physical features.
Grizzlies have a stout, chunky build, a prominent shoulder hump, a
massive head with an upturned muzzle or "dishface," and long
claws (about 6-8 cms). Adult male grizzlies average 150-215 kgs in the
Mackenzie Mountains, but can weigh more than 300 kgs in areas of the NWT
where the growing season is longer and food supplies more abundant.
Black bears have a smaller, less robust build, flat or straight
shoulders, a straight muzzle, and short, curved claws. Adult males
average 100-150 kgs, but can weigh more than 275 kgs. In both species,
females are smaller than males.
The typical lumbering gait and occasionally comic antics of bears are
deceptive: they are capable of enormous feats of strength and they can
run much faster than people. Both species also swim well. Black bears
and young grizzlies can climb trees, but adult grizzlies usually will
not. All bears rely on their excellent sense of smell to find food and
identify danger. They rely less on hearing and eyesight, although those
senses are also well-developed.
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