Diet of Grizzly Bears: What Do They Eat?

## Introduction Grizzly bears (*Ursus arctos horribilis*) are one of the most iconic wildlife species in North America. These majestic creatures, known for their muscular build and distinctive silver-tipped fur, are found primarily in the western regions of Canada and the United States. Understanding their diverse diet is crucial for conservation efforts and ensuring their habitats are preserved. ## Seasonal Diet Variations ### Spring As grizzly bears emerge from hibernation, they search for high-protein foods to replenish their energy reserves. Their spring diet includes: - Winter-killed animals and carrion - Early spring vegetation like sedges and grasses - Roots and tubers - Small mammals emerging from their winter dens - Young ungulates (elk, deer, and moose calves) ### Summer Summer brings a bounty of food options: - Berries (blueberries, huckleberries, serviceberries, and salmonberries) - Insects, particularly [army cutworm moths](https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/bear.htm) - Fish, especially during salmon runs - Small mammals like ground squirrels and marmots ### Fall During fall, bears enter hyperphagia, eating excessively to build fat reserves for winter: * Pine nuts and whitebark pine seeds * Late-season berries * Large mammals (both predated and scavenged) * Fish (continuing salmon runs) * Fruits like apples * Acorns and beechnuts ## Protein Sources ### Hunting Grizzlies are skilled hunters, targeting: 1. Elk calves 2. Deer 3. Moose 4. Mountain goats 5. Small mammals ### Fishing Bears demonstrate remarkable fishing techniques, especially during salmon runs. According to [research from the National Park Service](https://www.nps.gov/katm/learn/photosmultimedia/brown-bear-frequently-asked-questions.htm), a single bear can catch and eat several hundred pounds of fish during peak salmon runs. ## Plant Matter > "Despite their fearsome reputation, grizzly bears typically obtain about 80-90% of their diet from plant sources." - *North American Bear Center* ## Regional Variations Diet varies significantly by habitat: | Region | Primary Food Sources | |--------|---------------------| | Coastal | Salmon, sedges, berries | | Interior | Roots, small mammals, berries | | Mountain | Pine nuts, army cutworm moths, ungulates | | Prairie | Roots, ground squirrels, berries | ## Human Impact and Conservation Human activities affect natural feeding patterns through: - Habitat fragmentation - Climate change effects on food sources - Competition for resources - Access to human food and garbage ### Conservation Strategies - **Protected Areas**: Establishing and maintaining protected areas for undisturbed foraging - **Wildlife Corridors**: Creating connections between fragmented habitats - **Public Education**: Educating people about coexisting with bears For more information on grizzly bear conservation, visit the [National Park Service](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/index.htm) or the [World Wildlife Fund](https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/brown-bear). --- To maintain healthy bear populations, wildlife managers emphasize the importance of protecting diverse food sources and maintaining natural feeding patterns. This includes preserving critical habitat areas and managing human-bear conflicts through proper food storage in bear country.

Diet of Grizzly Bears: What Do They Eat?

Related articles