Let’s Talk about Bears ...

Almost all the Black Bears we saw in British Columbia were true black

We've seen 20 Black Bears and five Grizzly Bears in the past week -- and we're not even in Alaska yet! 

Summer brings out the Bears -- and the flies

Here's a run-down of the differences between the two: 

Black Bears can be black, blue-black, dark brown, brown, cinnamon and even white. 

Two Black Bears showing color differences

Grizzlies, which are actually Brown Bears, may also range in color from black to blond. But, they are seldom black and, when they are, the black is often tipped with silver, especially around the hump and neck. this tipping is what gives a "grizzled" appearance, which lead to their name.

The naming confuses people because Black Bears can be brown and Brown Bears are often blond. 

A light-colored Brown Bear at Brooks Falls in Alaska, 2011

Although Grizzly Bears are, on average, significantly larger than Black Bears, size is not a good indicator of which species is which.

Male Black Bears can weigh up to 800 pounds in the fall and female Grizzly Bears can weigh as little as 250 pounds in the spring. The best indicators are the size of the shoulders, the profile of the face and the length of the claws. 

The Grizzly Bear has a pronounced shoulder hump, which the Black Bear lacks. (But, again, there can be confusion because a Black Bear, when standing certain ways, can appear to have a hump.)

Grizzly, left, and Black, right

The profile is a reliable indicator, as are ears.

Black bears have "Roman-nose" profile in which the nose curves down and the Grizzly has  a concave or "dished" facial profile. Grizzlies have more rounded ears that resemble what you often see on Teddy Bears. Black Bears' ears are relatively larger and a bit more pointed.

The noses and ears of the Black, left, and Grizzly, right, are quite different

Grizzlies have much, much longer claws than the Black Bear. 

Chart: eregulations

Scott's photos are far better, but I am learning. And, it is certainly exciting to watch these marvelous creatures. 

Of course, I don't need to explain the difference between these two and Polar Bears. Although, scientists have recently discovered that Polar bears and Grizzly Bears are actually pretty closely related. There are even a few instances of hybrids in the wild.

The Grizzly's cousin, the Polar Bear, Kaktovik, Alaska, 2008

Every bear we've seen has been fat and healthy with a gleaming coat. They love dandelions and will chomp away with tourists clicking away. 

Look at that long coat

We've only seen two cubs so far -- at a great distance. Last time we were here this time of year we saw more cubs. We even saw one far up a tree (and we thought he was going to tumble).

Black Bear Cubs, 2004

Trip date: June 3-July 20, 2013