BROWN BEAR
Ursus arctos
DESCRIPTION
The Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) is a large bear species found across North America, Europe, and Asia. Known for its strength and adaptability, it inhabits a variety of environments from forests to mountains.
FUN FACTS
- Brown bears can run up to 40 km/h | They have an excellent sense of smell, which is seven times better than that of a bloodhound | Brown bears can hibernate for up to seven months
QUICK INFO
Lifespan20-30 years in the wild, up to 50 in captivity
Average Weight100-680 kg
Average Length1.8-2.5 m
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social StructureSolitary, with occasional groupings during mating season or when food is abundant.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (May-June)
- Habitat
- Brown bears thrive in diverse habitats, including forests, tundras, and mountainous regions. They require large territories for foraging and denning.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Tundra, Boreal Forest
- Native Range
- Found in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia, particularly in mountainous and forested areas.
- Continent
- North America, Europe, Asia
- Countries
- United States, Canada, Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland
- Diet
- Brown bears are omnivorous, consuming a wide range of foods including plants, fruits, insects, and fish. They are particularly known for their salmon fishing during spawning seasons.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- Salmon, berries, roots
- Social Structure
- Solitary, with occasional groupings during mating season or when food is abundant.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-3
- Territorial
- 1
100-680 kg
Weight
1.8-2.5 m
Length
1.2 m at shoulder
Height (Shoulder)
- Coloration
- Varies from light brown to dark brown, with some individuals having a blonde or cinnamon color.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are generally larger than females.
- Lifespan
- 20-30 years in the wild, up to 50 in captivity
- Gestation Period
- 180-250 days
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-4
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-5 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (May-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable in many areas, but some local populations are threatened.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 200,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. Climate change also impacts their food sources.
- Defense Mechanisms
- Brown bears use their size and strength to defend themselves, and they can also climb trees to escape threats.
- Compatible Animals
- None
- Found in Zoos
- Common