Habitat
Mountain valleysAlpine meadowsRiver corridorsForested slopes
Diet
- Highly variable/opportunistic omnivore
- Plants, roots, berries, insects
- Mammals/fish/carrion when available
- Can be attracted to human food/garbage
Bear Species
Grizzly Bear (Lower 48)
Ursus arctos horribilis — A heavyweight icon of the Northern Rockies.
In the contiguous U.S., grizzlies persist mainly in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide ecosystems, with recovery efforts focused on connectivity and conflict reduction.
Concentrated in a few key ecosystems in the Northern Rockies; management focuses on population recovery, dispersal/connectivity, and reducing human-caused mortality.
Where:
MontanaWyomingIdaho
Zoom to: Greater Yellowstone • Northern Continental Divide
Size & life history
Lifespan (wild): Often 15–30 years (varies by ecosystem).
Conservation
Status: Protected/managed under U.S. frameworks; status varies by population/ecosystem
- Dispersal can be substantial; males may travel long distances between ecosystems.
- Diet varies widely by season, year, and location.
Fun facts
- Shoulder hump is muscle used for digging.
- Can run fast for short bursts; behavior and diet shift seasonally.
Map
MAP
Grizzly Bear (Lower 48) — hotspots & sightings
Starts centered on this bear’s primary region. Use chips to jump around.