Habitat
Coastal forestsRiver systemsAlpine terrainMeadows
Diet
- Salmon
- Berries
- Plants
- Carrion
- Occasional ungulates
Bear Species
Kodiak Bear
Ursus arctos middendorffi — Island giant found only on the Kodiak Archipelago.
A distinct brown bear population limited to Alaska’s Kodiak Archipelago; size and ecology are strongly shaped by coastal food systems.
Endemic to the Kodiak Archipelago; often cited among the largest bears, supported by rich seasonal foods like salmon.
Where:
Alaska (Kodiak Archipelago)
Zoom to: Kodiak Island
Size & life history
Shoulder height: ~3–5 feet on all fours
Upright: Up to ~10 feet tall when upright (large males)
Male weight: Up to ~1,500 lb (very large males)
Female weight: Females smaller/lighter than males
Lifespan (wild): Individuals documented into the 20s–30s (records vary).
Conservation
Status: Managed population (Alaska); local management focuses on sustainability and safety
- Island isolation makes this population distinct.
- ADF&G notes extreme size potential in large males.
Fun facts
- Often described as one of the largest bears; size is heavily influenced by food availability.
- ADF&G has documented wild individuals into their 30s.
Map
MAP
Kodiak Bear — hotspots & sightings
Starts centered on this bear’s primary region. Use chips to jump around.