Grizzly Bear
Ursus arctos horribilis
About the Grizzly Bear
The grizzly bear is a North American subspecies of the brown bear, named for its "grizzled" silver-tipped fur. These powerful omnivores can weigh over 360 kg and are icons of the North American wilderness. Watching grizzlies fish for salmon at Alaska's rivers during the spawning run is one of the world's great wildlife spectacles.
Fun Facts
- Grizzly bears can run at speeds of up to 55 km/h — faster than a racehorse over short distances.
- Before hibernation, grizzlies enter a phase called "hyperphagia" where they eat up to 40 kg of food per day.
- They have a sense of smell 7 times better than a bloodhound and can detect food from 30 km away.
Where to See Grizzly Bear in the Wild
Katmai National Park
USAHome to Brooks Falls — the most famous bear-viewing spot on Earth. Watch bears catch leaping salmon.
Knight Inlet
CanadaRemote British Columbia lodge with intimate grizzly viewing during salmon spawning.
Yellowstone National Park
USAIconic park with grizzly bears in the Lamar and Hayden valleys.
Featured Destinations to See Grizzly Bear
Compare practical destination guides with seasonal timing, travel logistics, other wildlife, tours, and places to stay.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is America's first and most famous national park, established in 1872 across 8,983 km2 of volcanic plateau in Wyoming, ...
Plan your visit →
Denali National Park
Denali National Park and Preserve in central Alaska encompasses 24,585 km2 of subarctic wilderness dominated by North America's tallest peak, Den...
Plan your visit →Explore Grizzly Bear by Country
Country guides connect the species with other wildlife, featured places, planning context, and responsible-viewing advice.
Habitats Used by Grizzly Bear
Species may rely on several ecosystems across their range. Explore how conditions and conservation pressures differ.
Where to See Grizzly Bear at Zoos
Woodland Park Zoo
Seattle, USA
Browse Grizzly Bear Tours & Experiences
Current Viator listings matched to this species. Confirm where the activity operates, its wildlife policy, recent reviews, availability, and cancellation terms before booking.
Simply Amazing Sitka Tour: Fortress of the Bear, Alaska Raptor, & Totems
2h 30m
Best of Sitka Land Tour / Bears, Raptors, Totems
2h 30m
Alaska Wildlife Safari and Sightseeing Tour
2h 30mPhotography Tips for Grizzly Bear
At salmon runs, bears are focused on fishing and will tolerate closer distances from viewing platforms. A 200-400mm lens is ideal. Use fast shutter speeds to freeze action as bears snatch salmon.
Safety Guide
Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears. Store food in bear-proof containers. If you encounter a grizzly, speak calmly, avoid eye contact, and back away slowly. Never run.
