Habitat and Range of Grizzly Bears

## Introduction Grizzly bears (*Ursus arctos horribilis*) are one of the most iconic wildlife species in North America. Known for their muscular build, distinctive shoulder hump, and silver-tipped fur, these bears are a subspecies of the brown bear that plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance. ## Historical Distribution Before European settlement, grizzly bears inhabited nearly all western North America, from the Arctic Circle to central Mexico. These magnificent creatures could be found in diverse landscapes, including: * Prairie grasslands * Alpine meadows * Coastal regions * Forest ecosystems * River valleys ## Current Range and Distribution ### United States In the lower 48 states, grizzlies now primarily inhabit: 1. Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem 2. Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (Montana) 3. Cabinet-Yaak area (Montana and Idaho) 4. Selkirk Mountains (Idaho) According to the [U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service](https://www.fws.gov/species/grizzly-bear-ursus-arctos-horribilis), approximately 1,500 grizzlies currently live in the lower 48 states. ### Canada and Alaska Grizzly bears maintain robust populations in: * Alaska (estimated 30,000 bears) * Yukon Territory * Northwest Territories * British Columbia * Alberta ## Habitat Characteristics Grizzly bears are highly adaptable creatures capable of living in various environments. Their preferred habitats include: - **Forests and Woodlands**: Dense forests providing cover and rich food supplies - **Mountainous Regions**: Areas with diverse food sources and less human disturbance - **Tundra and Grasslands**: Open areas for foraging roots, berries, and small mammals - **Riparian Zones**: Areas near rivers and streams rich in fish, particularly salmon ### Seasonal Movements | Season | Movement Pattern | |--------|-----------------| | Spring | Lower elevations for early vegetation and carrion | | Summer | Higher elevations for berries and vegetation | | Fall | Lower areas for salmon and protein-rich foods | ## Home Range Size Male and female grizzlies maintain dramatically different home range sizes: * **Males**: 200-500 square miles * **Females**: 50-300 square miles Home range size varies based on: - Food availability - Population density - Habitat quality - Human development ## Denning Habitat During winter hibernation, grizzlies require specific denning conditions: ``` Essential Den Features: - Slope: 20-40 degrees - Elevation: Usually above 6,000 feet - Aspect: Typically north-facing - Soil: Well-draining ``` ## Conservation Challenges and Efforts Grizzly bears face several challenges that threaten their survival: - Habitat fragmentation due to development - Climate change affecting food availability - Human encroachment and conflicts - Urban expansion - Resource extraction Conservation efforts focus on: 1. Protecting core habitat areas 2. Maintaining wildlife corridors 3. Reducing human-bear conflicts 4. Restoring degraded ecosystems 5. Public education and outreach For more information on grizzly bear conservation, visit the [National Park Service](https://www.nps.gov/yell/learn/nature/wildlife.htm), [World Wildlife Fund](https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/brown-bear), or [Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee](https://igbconline.org/programs/bear-resistant-products/) websites.

Habitat and Range of Grizzly Bears

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