1. Alaskan Brown Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis): Found in Alaska, Canada, and parts of the northwestern United States. Known for its large size and distinctive shoulder hump.
2. Kodiak Bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi): Inhabits the Kodiak Archipelago off the coast of Alaska. Renowned for its massive size and considered one of the largest subspecies of brown bears.
3. Siberian Brown Bear (Ursus arctos beringianus): Also known as the Kamchatka Brown Bear or East Siberian Brown Bear, this subspecies is found in eastern Siberia and parts of the Russian Far East.
4. Eurasian Brown Bear (Ursus arctos arctos): Widely distributed across Europe and northern Asia, including parts of Russia, Scandinavia, and the Carpathian Mountains.
5. Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis): Found in the mountainous regions of western Canada and the northwestern United States. Known for its distinctive shoulder hump, a concave facial profile, and long claws.
6. Peninsula Brown Bear (Ursus arctos gyas): Inhabits the Alaska Peninsula and some coastal regions of Alaska. Characterized by its relatively smaller size compared to other brown bear subspecies.
These subspecies exhibit variations in size, coat color, habitat preferences, and behavior. Some subspecies, like the Kodiak Bear and Alaskan Brown Bear, are known for their exceptional size and inhabit coastal regions with abundant food resources, such as salmon. Others, like the Eurasian Brown Bear and Grizzly Bear, are found in more forested habitats and have a broader diet, including berries, vegetation, and sometimes prey.
It's worth noting that some scientists consider certain brown bear populations as distinct subspecies or local variants rather than separate subspecies. The classification and taxonomy of brown bears can vary among different sources, and ongoing research continues to contribute to our understanding of their diversity and conservation needs.