Widely distributed in mountain and forest areas throughout western Canada and Alaska, brown (grizzly) bears ( Ursus arctos), are currently listed as a threatened species in the lower 48. Black bears (Ursus americanus) are found widely distributed in mountain and forest areas throughout the U.S. and Canada. Brown/grizzly bears are found from the islands of southeastern Alaska to the arctic. Black bears inhabit most of Alaska's forests.

Telling the difference between the two species can be tricky. Simply looking at color doesn’t help. Black bears can be black, brown, blonde, and even blue/gray -- as is the case of the rare color phase found in Southeast Alaska called the “glacier bear.” Brown bears can be any shade from honey blonde to black.

Black Bears have a straight facial profile, lack of a shoulder hump, prominent ears, and short, curved claws, are 3 feet at the shoulder and weigh 125 to over 300 pounds. Brown Bears (also called “grizzlies” in Interior Alaska) have a “dish-shaped” facial profile, prominent shoulder hump, long, straight claws, are 3.5 feet at the shoulder/up to 9 feet when standing on hind legs, and weigh an average 500 to 1000 pounds. Some have white-tipped hairs, giving it a grizzled appearance.

Grizzlies are omnivorous. Their diet varies by the season and includes grasses, roots, berries, nuts, insects, fish, rodents, and sometimes small and large mammals. Brown bears can conceal themselves remarkably well in the low brush along hill sides. Although they will normally not attack a human, they will defend their young or their food if approached too closely. They have an excellent sense of smell, good hearing, and are extremely powerful. Their eyesight is as good as ours. A fast runner, they are able to cover 180 feet in just three seconds! The grizzly enters its den in November to hibernate until spring. They are naturally curious, and caution should be taken when in their presence. Visitors planning to hike, bird watch, or travel across country should get information on traveling though bear country before starting. Life expectancy is up to 30 years.

Black bears, which are more common in the southern-forested regions, have similar food habitats and behavior. Black bears are creatures of opportunity when it comes to matters of food. Upon emergence from hibernation in the spring, freshly sprouted green vegetation is the main food item, but black bears will readily take anything they encounter. Things such as winterkilled animals are readily eaten, but carrion is apparently taken only if little else is available. As summer progresses, the feeding shifts to salmon if they are available. In areas without salmon, bears rely primarily on vegetation throughout the year. Berries, especially blueberries, are an important late summer-fall food item. Bears are cannibalistic on occasion. An "average" adult male in summer weighs about 180-200 pounds. Black bears can have poor eyesight but their senses of smell and hearing are well developed. They are also a fast runner. The black bear hibernates throughout winter, generally from about October or November to some time in April or May.

Grizzly bears mate in early summer. One to four cubs, each weighing about one pound, are born mid-winter. Black bears mate in late spring to early summer. Gestation is 220 days with an average litter size of two cubs, born in January to early February.