Bears

Ursus americanus

WHAT: Black bears are large, strong, plantigrade (walking on the whole sole of the foot) animals with a wide range of coat colors, including every shade of brown, bright blond, smoky blue, and even white.
WHERE: Much of Canada and the United States, except the Central Plains States, into Mexico.
SIZE: Length about 3.5 feet to just over 6.5 feet; height (at the shoulder) 2.5 to over 3.5 feet; weight for males 130 to 500 pounds, for females 90 to 350 pounds.
EATS: Black bears are primarily foragers and scavengers that occasionally consume carrion but are also effective predators of other animals. The majority of their diet consists of vegetation. 
BABIES: The breeding season occurs from May to July, with a gestation period of 6.5 to 8.5 months, including delayed implantation. Females typically give birth to one to four hairless cubs in January while denning. At birth, each cub weighs about half a pound.
STATUS: Common.
FUN FACTS: In colder climates, black bears hibernate in tree hollows and burrows during winter. They can emerge if the weather warms or if disturbed. Their territory can cover up to 100 square miles. When awake, these omnivores spend most of their time foraging for food and are excellent tree climbers.

Ursus arctos horribilis

WHAT: Grizzlies have long, curved claws that are 2 to 4 inches long, a muscle-filled shoulder hump, and a concave face with a long snout. Their fur ranges in color from blonde to brown to black, and the name “grizzly” comes from their silver-colored guard hairs.
WHERE: Restricted to remote areas in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington in the United States, southwestern Canada, and throughout Alaska.
SIZE: Varies greatly seasonally and geographically. Length 6.5 feet; height (at the shoulder) 3.35 feet; weight for males 400 to 790 pounds, for females 290 to 440 pounds.
EATS: Grizzly bears are opportunistic feeders that adjust their diet with the seasons. They primarily eat vegetation, insects, small mammals, carrion, and salmon, and may also prey on vulnerable ungulates like caribou, deer, and moose.
BABIES: The breeding season is from May to July, with a gestation period of 6.5 to 8.5 months, including delayed implantation. In January or February, the female typically gives birth to one to four blind cubs, each weighing about one pound.
STATUS: Federally threatened, and endangered in Washington.
FUN FACTS: Grizzly bears mark their territory by biting, scratching, and rubbing against specific trees. Mark trails consist of deep impressions in the ground that lead to these trees. While young grizzlies can climb, adult bears often become too large to do so, though they can still climb up to 15 feet. Grizzlies can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour and, when standing up on their hind legs, can reach heights of 12 feet.