Is an Alaskan brown bear the same as a grizzly?

Key insights

Brown bears have a subspecies known as grizzly bears. These are inland bears formerly found in the vast mountains and prairies of western North America. They currently exclusively reside in Alaska, a few remote places in the northwest of the United States, and parts of western Canada.

How can you distinguish between a brown bear and a grizzly bear during Alaskan brown bear viewing? Or do they mean the same thing?

It is similarly nonsensical to distinguish between a grizzly and a brown bear as it is to distinguish between a reindeer and a caribou. Although both brown and grizzly bears belong to the same species, Ursus arctos, the differences between the two beasts lie in their habitats and diets.

For more information refer to the blog “Your Ultimate Guide to Bear Viewing in Alaska: An Unforgettable Experience”.

How to identify Grizzly Bears in Alaska?

Although “grizzly bears” are brown bears, they are usually smaller than coastal bears due to their habitat on mountain slopes, tundra plains, and inland woods.

Bears that live inland are grizzlies because their food sources are less abundant and more diverse than those found along the coast.

Alaska’s interior and arctic regions, including Denali National Park and Gates of the Arctic National Park, are home to grizzlies.

Known affectionately as “grizzlies” in the area, their typical diet consists of tiny rodents, grubs, and roots. During grizzly bear viewing in Alaska, you will notice that grizzly bears are typically smaller and more aggressive than brown bears due to the challenges of locating an abundance of food.

The name “grizzly” refers to the color of their fur, which is usually grey on the hump and shoulders. “Grizzly” does not mean “grisly” or “horrible” at all! While a female sow may travel with her offspring for up to two years at a time, male boars often roam alone.

How are Alaska Brown Bears identified during Alaskan brown bear tours?

For bears situated around the coast, Alaskans commonly refer to them as “brown bears.” Rich grasslands and salmon-filled streams provide a plentiful food source as part of their habitat. In Alaska’s coastal regions, such as Lake Clark National Park or Katmai National Park, you will find “brownies.”

In the summer, brown bears usually gorge on fat salmon, clams, sedge grass, and other wild foods. They are bigger than grizzlies and seem more content because of their constant and abundant food supply.

They do not typically view humans as food or rivals, yet they aggressively protect their cubs and territory. When there is enough food for everyone, you might notice a large group of brown bears gathered in one location.

Distinguishing Traits

Although grizzly bears and brown bears are related, there are a few significant distinctions between the two species according to Bear Viewing Alaska Guide Captain Mel Erickson.

Habitat and Diet: Grizzlies are different from coastal brown bears in that they are primarily inland and do not have access to marine-based food sources such as fish and salmon.
Physical characteristics: Coastal brown bears can weigh up to 1000 pounds in the autumn since they have a diet high in seafood. Grizzlies at Yellowstone National Park usually weigh less. No cases over 900 pounds have been documented.
Appearance: Coastal brown bears typically have darker colors, whereas grizzlies frequently have a characteristic silver-tipped or grizzled appearance.

Embark on a Wildlife Adventure at Bear Viewing in Alaska

Wildlife enthusiasts are interested to know the difference between brown bears and grizzlies. Without visiting Lake Clark National Park’s Chinitna Bay for Chinitna Bay bear viewing and Silver Salmon Creek, one cannot fully enjoy bear viewing tours in Alaska.

To arrange your meeting with grizzly bears and other fascinating creatures, call us at 1-907-398-1744 to book “Book Chinitna Bay bear viewing tour in Alaska”.