Alaskan brown bears (Ursus arctos horribilis), colloquially known as grizzly bears, are the largest subspecies of brown bears. They are found in coastal and inland regions of Alaska, northwestern Canada, and the contiguous United States.
Appearance:
1. Size: Alaskan brown bears are known for their massive size. They typically stand between 8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters) tall at the shoulder and can weigh anywhere from 600 to 1,500 pounds (272 to 680 kilograms). Males are generally larger than females.
2. Fur: Their fur is typically dark brown, but can vary in color from light brown to almost black. Grizzly bears get their name from their grizzled appearance, which comes from the mixture of light-tipped guard hairs and darker underfur.
3. Hump: Alaskan brown bears have a prominent shoulder hump, which is formed by the powerful muscles used for digging and fighting.
4. Facial Features: Their faces are broad, with a distinct concave facial profile. They have small, rounded ears and a large, pronounced nose.
5. Claws: Alaskan brown bears have long, non-retractable claws that they use for digging, climbing, and defense.
6. Canine Teeth: Their canine teeth can be up to 2.5 inches (6.35 centimeters) long and are used for killing prey and defending themselves.
It is important to note that while these are general characteristics, individual Alaskan brown bears can vary in appearance and size depending on geographic location and habitat.