Can you Bare the Differences between our Bears?

Grizzlies are large bears that can be 6.6 to 9.2 feet  in length and can weigh between 175- 975 lbs. Typically males are larger than females, but their size depends on the location and food source available.  Grizzlies are more commonly found in mountainous regions where they have greater accessibility to a varied diet including: salmon, trout, carrion, mouse, elk, berries, nuts and other fruit. They can be found across the continental U.S ranging from Montana and Idaho to Wyoming.  They used to be found in Colorado as well, but have been inexistent since 1978.. Their hair can vary from a blonde to a dark brown and often times gives them a grizzled appearance and they can live for up to fifty years in captivity. 

Here at IEAS we have six Grizzlies. In 2007, we received four grizzlies from a previous facility that did not have the room to support the unexpected cubs.  They remain together in the same habitat here at IEAS and we wanted to see how well you guys could tell them apart? 

 

This is Willie, he is a 9 year old Grizzly. He is the largest of his siblings and can be found dangling his feet off of his perch while eating a melon. 

Meet Wendy!! Wendy is the smallest of her siblings and also shorter, but she can hold her own against her big brothers. 

Big Papa is the tallest and lightest Grizzly that we have. He is a very curious boy that will commonly follow you around to see if you have food or what you are doing.

However, due to road construction, railway systems, habitat destruction, and trophy hunting these bears have moved to much of Russia, and remain densely distributed in Canada as well as Alaska.  Therefore, they are considered to be endangered in the lower 48 states. 

In recent years, organizations have helped to increase awareness regarding the conservation of these  magnificent animals. They have implemented programs that promote the preservation of land, setting up natural breeding by influencing the linking of populations,  and built bridges that allow them to enter their native lands in the presence of road construction. 

How you can help?

• Donations www.bigcat.org/donate
• Adopt a Bear www.bigcat.org/adopt-an-animal
• Prevent Illegal Hunting