Grizzly Bear

Western Montana is home to the grizzly bear, a powerful bear that is characterized by a distinctive hump on his shoulders, as well as powerful forearms for digging. Typically the grizzlies coat is dark brown, but it can vary from very light cream to black.

a boreal toad in the rough

Grizzly bears can reach weights between 400 and 1,500 pounds and may even stand at eight feet tall. In spite of their massive size, grizzlies can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. Sows, female bears, are very protective of their young. If you see a cub on a trail or out hiking, you can be sure its mama is close and should use great care. Do not come between a cub and its mother, as you will be perceived as threatening the cub. Grizzly bears usually live on a diet of berries, insects, grass and mammals. For more on the grizzly bear, visit Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.