Grizzly bear
A large North American brown bear, variable in size and color.
The grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), also known as the North American brown bear, is a population or subspecies of the brown bear inhabiting North America. It was first described by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark as 'grisley,' a term that could mean either 'grizzled' (grey-tipped hair) or 'grisly' (fear-inspiring); the modern spelling favors the former. horribilis for its character.
- Scientific name
- Ursus arctos horribilis
- Classification
- Subspecies of brown bear (Ursus arctos)
- Range
- North America (Alaska, western Canada, northwestern United States)
Lore & Background
Most belong to an initial population (clade 4) that remains dominant south of subarctic North America. Later lineages repopulated Alaska and northern Canada from Eurasia after the Last Glacial Maximum.
Reader's Guide
The grizzly bear holds significance as a keystone species in North American ecosystems, particularly in coastal Alaska and interior Canada. Its classification has been historically contentious: once divided into many species, it is now recognized as a single subspecies, Ursus arctos horribilis, though debate continues over North American subspecies. Its range has contracted from Mexico and the Hudson Bay region to primarily Alaska, western Canada, and parts of the northwestern United States. The grizzly's genetic history reveals complex migrations and interbreeding, including introgression from polar bears in the ABC Islands. Its legacy includes being a symbol of wilderness and a subject of ongoing taxonomic and ecological study.
Did You Know?
- The ABC Islands bear shows genetic introgression from the polar bear, making it genetically anomalous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Grizzly bear?
The Grizzly bear is a North American subspecies of the brown bear, formally designated as Ursus arctos horribilis. It represents a regional population of the broader brown bear species rather than a fully separate species.
Where does the Grizzly bear live?
Its natural range covers Alaska, western Canada, and the northwestern United States. It is a large, variable-sized and variable-colored carnivore/insectivore native to these northern regions.
How did the Grizzly bear get its name?
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark first recorded the term 'grisley,' which could refer to either the grey-tipped fur or the animal's intimidating presence. The modern spelling 'grizzly' settled on the grizzled-hair meaning.
What is the Grizzly bear's scientific classification?
It sits as a subspecies of Ursus arctos, the brown bear, carrying the full trinomial name Ursus arctos horribilis. The epithet 'horribilis' was selected to reflect the animal's formidable character.
What are the Grizzly bear's notable physical traits?
It is a large bear that shows considerable variation in both body size and coat coloration across its population. The grey-tipped fur that inspired its common name is one of its most recognizable features.
More in Carnivores And Insectivores 1-17
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