GRIZZLY BEAR Ursus arctos horribilis (Ord) 



Order: CARNIVORA Family: URSIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : Large bear, average about 600 pounds for males; 

 grizzled brown, hump on shoulder, huge front claws, concave facial profile. 



Present distribution : Colorado (questionable if any remain), Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, 

 and Washington . 



Former distribution : In addition to presently inhabited areas, the grizzly previously 

 occupied suitable habitat in all of the Western States from the Pacific Ocean to the eastern 

 edge of the Rocky Mountains . 



Note: The taxonomic status of the grizzly is confused (see "remarks" 

 belov) . The grizzly and big brown bear of Alaska are closely allied, 

 and 77 species of the two combined have been described. Some of these 

 are now extinct, while others are doubtless synonyms. What we here 

 refer to as the grizzly bear, Ursus horribilis (with 4 subspecies included), 

 represents populations from Idaho, Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. 



Status : Occurs in small numbers in the conterminous United States . The population 

 trend has been static in the last decade. 



Estimated numbers : Idaho, 10; Montana, 375 to 700; Wyoming, 300; and a few in 

 Colorado . About 10 in Washington in 1970 (Lauckhardt) . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Usually 1 to 2 cubs in alternate years . 



Reasons for decline : Numbers have been killed with guns, traps, dogs, and poisons 

 as predator and menace to man and his livestock. Human activity continues to intrude 

 on the habitat of this wilderness species, that is apparently unable to adapt to most of 

 man's activities. 



Protective measures already taken : Complete protection in Washington, Colorado and 

 Idaho; managed by State as a game animal in Montana and Wyoming with very restrictive 

 regulations . Complete protection by Federal Government in National Parks . 



Measures proposed : Wilderness areas most needed, with cessation of any unnecessary 

 persecution as a predator. 



Number in captivity : 33 males and 53 females in 31 American zoos (1963). 



Breeding potential in captivity : Good . 



Remarks: Last grizzly reported in California in 1922. The taxonomy of the grizzly and 

 brown bears is confused and clarification is greatly needed. It is currently being 

 reviewed by E. R. Hall and has been studied previously by R. L. Rausch. 



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