Do bears turn gray as they age?

Yes, some bear species, such as the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos), can develop gray or silver-tipped fur as they age. This is a natural process known as "grizzling" or "silvering." The graying of fur in bears is caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, environmental conditions, and diet. As bears age, their fur may gradually lighten or become interspersed with gray hairs, particularly around the face, neck, and shoulders. This change in fur color is not exclusive to grizzly bears and can also be observed in other bear species, such as the American black bear (Ursus americanus). However, the extent and timing of graying can vary among individual bears and populations.