How Big is a Grizzly?

Grizzly bears are a subspecies of the North American brown bear. They are solitary mammals, but can be found in groups around riverbeds where fish is plentiful.

  1. Location

    • The largest grizzly bear population in the United States is in Alaska. There are smaller populations inside the continental United States, but it is fewer than 1,000 and mostly around Yellowstone National Park and other glacial parks.

    Growth

    • By the end of the first year, a grizzly bear can weigh between 150 and 200 pounds. Male grizzly bears do not reach their full growth potential until twelve years of age. At that time, the male bear can weigh anywhere between 330 to 1150 pounds. Female grizzlies reach growth maturity at eight years and can weigh between 270 to 770 pounds.

    Length

    • According to the Smithsonian National Zoological Park, a grizzly bear stands around five feet tall on all fours legs, but when it stands on two legs it can stand over nine feet tall. Grizzles can be between six and nine feet in length.

    Speed

    • According to National Geographic, although grizzlies are very large in size, they are fast. Grizzles can run up to 30 miles per hour.