Brown Bear (Ursus arctos)

OTHER NAMES: Bear, Grizzly, Bruin
Latin Etymology: Ursus (Latin - "bear") arctos (Greek - "bear") 

Adult Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) in British Columbia, Canada - August 2024

Featured Subspecies: Grizzly Bear - Ursus arctos horribilis
Weight: 80-600kg  /  Length: 1.4-2.8m
EXTINCT IN UK / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The most widespread and diverse of the bears, and second only in size to the Polar Bear among the whole of the terrestrial carnivora.  Historically, the brown bear was found over Europe, Asia, North America and North Africa, but human interaction has severely pushed back it's range in more populated areas, with various subspecies been driven to extinction. They are a powerful species and dangerous to be around - this photo was taken at a distance from inside car.

Related Species:
Order: Carnivora 
Family: Ursidae 
Genus: Ursus 
SUBSPECIES: U. a. arctos, U. a. beringianus, U. a. collaris, U. a. gobiensis, U. a. isabellinus, U. a. lasiotus, U. a. marsicanus, U. a. pruinosus, U. a. pyrenaicus, U. a. syriacus, U. a. crowtheri, U. a. priscus, U. a. horribilis, U. a. californicus, U. a. dalli, U. a. gyas, U. a. middendorffi, U. a. nelsoni, U. a. sitkensis, U. a. stikeenensis

 - Sighting Locations -

CANADA -Present in North West Canada
  - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: - Seen in British Columbia

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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American Black Bear (Ursus americanus)

OTHER NAMES: Black Bear
Latin Etymology: Ursus (Latin - "bear") americanus ("of America")

Adult female American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) in Alaska, USA - August 2024

Featured Subspecies: Ursus americanus americanus
Weight: 41-250kg  /  Length: 120-200cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Least Concern

The most numerous bear species on Earth, with a population of over double all other species combined, the American Black Bear is an adaptable species capable of living even in areas where human disturbance is regular. They are omnivorous but actually favour vegtation for a large proportion of their diet. Though much smaller than the Brown Bear, they are still dangerous animals and can often become habituated to human food, bringing them more into conflict. 

Related Species:
Order: Carnivora 
Family: Ursidae 
Genus: Ursus 
SUBSPECIES: U. a. altrifrontis, U. a. amblyceps, U. a. americanus, U. a. californiensis, U. a. carlottae, U. a. cinnamomum, U. a. emmonsii, U. a. eremicus, U. a. floridanus, U. a. hamiltoni, U. a. kermodei, U. a. luteolus, U. a. machetes, U. a. perniger, U. a. pugnax, U. a. vancouveri

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES - Found in Alaska and a widespread but patchy distribution in the Lower 48 favouring Forested areas
 - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: Seen in Alaska

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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