Grizzly Bear

North America · powerful predator · endangered

Huge and strong. Grizzly bears are enormous animals that can weigh up to 800 pounds and stand 10 feet tall on their hind legs. They're one of the most powerful predators in North America.

Mountain and forest homes. Grizzlies live in remote wilderness areas like the Rocky Mountains and Alaska, where they have lots of space to roam and find food. They need huge territories to survive because they're always searching for meals.

Salmon fishing masters. In summer and fall, grizzlies gather at rivers to catch salmon as they swim upstream. A single bear can catch dozens of fish in a day, building up fat stores for winter.

Long winter sleep. Grizzlies hibernate during the cold months, sleeping in dens for four to seven months without eating or drinking. Before hibernation, they eat constantly to build up enough fat to survive the winter.

Rare and protected. Grizzly bears were once hunted so much that they disappeared from most of North America. Today they're protected by law, and their numbers are slowly growing in a few mountain regions.