Quck answer
Brown bears and black bears are two distinct species that differ in appearance, habitat, and behavior. Brown bears are larger and have a more pronounced shoulder hump than black bears. They also have longer, straighter claws and a concave facial profile. Brown bears are found in coastal regions and mountainous areas, while black bears are found in forests across North America. Black bears are more adaptable and have a wider variety of diets, while brown bears are primarily carnivorous. Both species are important apex predators, but have different roles in their respective ecosystems.
Wildlife
A duo to stay away from — a fearsome looking black bear (Ursus americanus), at left, and a subspecies of brown bear, the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilus), at right. picture alliance/Getty Images; Barcroft Media/Getty Images
Last year marked Smokey Bear’s 75th birthday. He represents the oldest public service ad campaign in the United States, teaching fire safety since World War II.
Officially, Smokey is categorized as a “300-pound (136-kilogram) black bear,” which may seem strange since he is typically depicted with brown fur. However, this classification makes sense in zoology. Black bears, Ursus americanus, are identified by more than just their black coloration. They can also be brown, gray, white, or even blonde.
Brown bears, Ursus arctos, are a separate species from black bears. If this is confusing, don’t worry; we will explain the differences.
Bears Without Borders
You will only find wild black bears in North America. Despite being the most populous bear species, black bears are restricted to Canada, Mexico, Alaska, and the contiguous United States (sorry, Hawaii).
Brown bears, Ursus arctos, are less common in terms of population but have the widest geographic range of any modern bear. Wild brown bear populations are found in both North America and Eurasia, from Spain to central Canada. One subspecies of brown bear lived in Africa until the 1970s.
Ursus arctos has numerous subspecies, including the iconic grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilus), which you may have encountered in Yellowstone National Park or as the mascot for the University of Memphis basketball team. Grizzlies once roamed a significant portion of North America, but human activities have confined them to Alaska, northwestern Canada, and portions of Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Washington State.
Another brown bear subspecies found in the Western Hemisphere is Ursus arctos middendorffi, the Kodiak bear. Exclusive to Alaska’s Kodiak Archipelago, it is one of the world’s largest predators.
Comparing Sizes
How big do Kodiak bears grow? They can sometimes rival polar bears in size.
Male Kodiak bears typically weigh between 1,058 and 1,179 pounds (480 to 535 kilograms), while grizzly males weigh between 297 and 859 pounds (135 and 390 kilograms). In both species, females, or “sows,” are smaller than males. A typical Kodiak sow is 20% lighter and 30% smaller than a normal male, while most grizzly females weigh between 209 and 451 pounds (95 to 205 kilograms).
On all fours, a male brown bear can stand 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall at the shoulder, but the largest individuals can reach heights of 10 feet (3 meters) when they stand upright. Black bears are smaller, with a maximum shoulder height of 3 feet (0.9 meters) and a height of 5 to 7 feet (1.5 to 2.1 meters) when standing upright. Male black bears weigh between 130 and 500 pounds (59 to 227 kilograms), while sows weigh between 90 and 250 pounds (41 and 113 kilograms).
Smokey’s species may not be the largest, but he still has an important message to share.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
Distinguishing between Ursus americanus and Ursus arctos doesn’t require any special tools. Brown bears have a more prominent hump on their shoulders, while black bears have shorter and straighter claws that aid in climbing and tearing. Brown bears have long, curvy claws that are great for digging. Additionally, brown bear pawprints have a wider gap between the toes and the pad, and black bear “hand” prints look rounder. Ursus americanus has longer ears and a less concave face than Ursus arctos.
Both species are omnivores and can eat a variety of plant and animal matter, but Ursus arctos can kill larger prey. While zoologists consider Ursus arctos to be more aggressive, both species can harm humans, so it’s important to maintain a safe distance. The U.S. National Parks Service provides a safety guide for those exploring brown and black bear habitats.
Population and Conservation Status
Brown bears stop climbing trees when they reach adulthood, whereas black bears continue to climb. Both species can hunt British Columbian salmon. Currently, there are around 110,000 brown bears and 800,000 black bears in the world, with neither species listed as endangered or threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, grizzlies are protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Now That’s Interesting
The Greek word “arctos” means “bear,” which is where the word “Arctic” comes from. The bear-shaped constellation Ursa Major, which can be used to locate the North Star, is also named after ursine creatures.
FAQ
1. What is the main difference between a brown bear and a black bear?
The most noticeable difference between the two species is their fur color. As the name suggests, black bears have black or dark brown fur, while brown bears can range from blonde to dark brown. Brown bears are also typically larger, with males weighing up to 1,500 pounds, while black bears usually max out around 600 pounds. Finally, brown bears are more commonly found in coastal regions, while black bears are found throughout much of North America.
2. Are brown bears more dangerous than black bears?
While both species of bear can be dangerous if provoked or surprised, brown bears are generally considered more aggressive. This is likely due to their larger size and the fact that they are more commonly found in areas where humans are often present. However, it’s important to remember that all bears should be treated with caution and respect.
3. Where do brown bears and black bears live?
Black bears are found throughout much of North America, including Canada, the United States, and Mexico. They typically prefer forested regions but can also be found in mountainous areas and even suburban neighborhoods. Brown bears, on the other hand, are found primarily in Alaska, western Canada, and parts of the western United States. They are often found in coastal regions and can also be found in mountainous areas.
4. What do brown bears and black bears eat?
Both species of bear are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Black bears primarily eat berries, nuts, and insects, but will also eat small mammals and fish. Brown bears have a more varied diet, including berries, nuts, fish, and larger mammals like moose and caribou. They are also known to scavenge from human settlements and garbage dumps.
5. Can brown bears and black bears mate?
While it is possible for brown bears and black bears to mate, it is very rare. The two species have different numbers of chromosomes, which makes it difficult for their offspring to survive. However, there have been a few documented cases of hybrid bears in the wild, known as “grizzly bears” in North America.
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