Overview
In various regions of Alaska, both black bears and brown bears (frequently called grizzlies) are frequently encountered. These two species share a close genetic relationship with one another and with the polar bear, the latter of which is categorized as a marine mammal. Distinguishing between them involves looking at physical traits: the brown bear (Ursus arctos) typically surpasses the black bear (Ursus americanus) in size. Key identifiers for brown bears include a distinct shoulder hump, smaller ears, and front claws that are notably long and straight. These extended claws are ideal for unearthed roots or hunting burrowing prey. Conversely, the shorter, curved claws of the black bear are perfectly adapted for scaling trees.
The naming of black bears can be deceptive, as their fur colors vary from pale cinnamon to a unique bluish-gray. Their weight generally falls between 200 and 500 pounds. Brown bears are considerably heavier, averaging 500 to 900 pounds, though dominant older males have been known to weigh as much as 1,400 pounds.
For the majority of the year—roughly six to eight months—both species engage in intensive foraging to build fat stores for winter dormancy. During the spring, their diet consists primarily of greenery like sedges and grasses, occasionally supplemented by carrion or moose calves. As summer transitions into autumn, bears living near waterways feast on migrating salmon. Berries, including blueberries, cranberries, and currants, offer a vital source of carbohydrates. Throughout the warmer months, they also hunt marmots, forage for roots in meadows, and scavenge for insects inside decaying timber.
Bears are generally independent creatures, with the exception of maternal groups. Cubs are born during the winter months; they are born small and sightless, relying entirely on their mother’s nutrient-dense milk and fat stores. A typical litter consists of two or three offspring, who remain under their mother's care until they reach two years of age. Sows are well-known for their intense devotion and protective nature toward their young.
Natural Environment
Black bears primarily inhabit wooded territories, though they can be spotted everywhere from coastal shorelines to high alpine zones. They are nimble climbers and can reach running speeds of up to 25 mph. Brown bears are most commonly found along Alaska’s southern coastline. The abundance of salmon in these areas allows them to reach greater sizes and live in closer proximity to one another compared to the interior and northern "grizzly" populations.
Tips for Observation
Black bears are distributed across nearly all of Alaska's forested regions. However, they are not present north of the Brooks Range, on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, or across most of the Alaska and Seward Peninsulas. They also tend to be absent from specific islands in Southeast Alaska and the Gulf of Alaska where brown bears are the dominant species.
Brown bears inhabit almost the entire state, with a few exceptions: they are not found on the Bering Sea islands, islands west of Unimak in the Aleutians, or islands located south of Frederick Sound in the Southeast.
For the most successful viewing, plan outings during the spring and summer at daybreak or twilight, when bears are most mobile in their search for sustenance. Coastal areas are excellent for spotting bears as they scavenge for marine remains, hunt for shellfish, or graze on coastal plants. From late July through the beginning of September, the best viewing locations shift to rivers and streams where bears gather to hunt spawning salmon.
