Grizzly bear
Grizzly bears have a keen sense of smell and hearing, but their eyesight is poor. A heavy, fleecy undercoat and coarse guard hairs protect grizzlies from the cold. They can swim well and can run up to 30 mph on land for long distances. Although generally solitary, grizzlies are the most social of all North American bears, occasionally gathering in large numbers at major food sources, and often forming family foraging groups. They are not true hibernators, but they do experience a period of dormancy through the colder months.
- Conservation StatusLeast Concern
- Life span25-40 years
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Body size650-1,200 lbs.
up to 8 ft. - Native habitat Mountains, alpine meadows, and coastlines of western half of North America
- DietRoots, leaves, berries, occasional meats