Kodiak bears and polar bears are among the largest terrestrial predators. These formidable animals often spark curiosity regarding which species truly holds the title for the biggest. This article compares their physical dimensions.
Kodiak Bear Dimensions
Kodiak bears (Ursus arctos middendorffi) are a unique subspecies of brown bear, found on the Kodiak Archipelago in Alaska. Adult male Kodiak bears typically weigh between 272 to 635 kilograms (600 to 1,400 pounds), with some mature males averaging 477–534 kg (1,052–1,177 lb) over the year. Females are generally smaller, weighing 181 to 318 kg (399 to 701 pounds). The largest recorded wild male weighed 751 kg (1,656 lb), while a captive specimen reached 966 kg (2,130 lb).
These bears stand about 1.22 to 1.52 meters (4 to 5 feet) tall at the shoulder when on all fours. When standing upright, a large male can reach a height of up to 3 meters (10 feet) or more. Their body length typically ranges from 1.96 to 2.74 meters (6.5 to 9 feet). The abundant food resources, particularly salmon, and their geographical isolation on the Kodiak Archipelago contribute significantly to their large size, a phenomenon known as island gigantism.
Polar Bear Dimensions
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are native to the Arctic regions and are considered marine mammals due to their reliance on sea ice. Adult male polar bears generally weigh 300 to 800 kilograms (660 to 1,760 pounds), averaging 450 kg (990 pounds). Females are considerably smaller, weighing 150 to 300 kg (330 to 660 pounds). The heaviest polar bear on record was a male weighing 1,002 kg (2,209 lb).
At the shoulder, adult polar bears stand 1.3 to 1.6 meters (4.3 to 5.2 feet) tall. Their body length usually ranges from 2 to 2.5 meters (6.6 to 8.2 feet). When standing upright, a large male polar bear can reach a height of over 3 meters (10 feet). Their robust build is an adaptation to their cold environment and a diet primarily consisting of seals, which provides a high-fat, high-calorie food source.
Comparing Bear Sizes
Both Kodiak bears and polar bears are exceptionally large, often rivaling each other for the title of the world’s biggest land carnivore. The largest recorded polar bear (1,002 kg / 2,209 lb) outweighs the largest wild Kodiak bear (751 kg / 1,656 lb). However, typical male Kodiak bears weigh 272 to 635 kg (600 to 1,400 pounds), while polar bears weigh 300 to 800 kg (660 to 1,760 pounds).
Both species exhibit similar maximums in height and length. Large males of both species can stand over 3 meters (10 feet) tall when upright. Kodiak bears typically have a body length of 1.96 to 2.74 meters (6.5 to 9 feet), while polar bears usually range from 2 to 2.5 meters (6.6 to 8.2 feet). While Kodiak bears tend to be bulkier and more robust in build, polar bears have a more streamlined appearance, with longer necks and narrower skulls, which aids their swimming abilities. The largest individual polar bears tend to be heavier than the largest individual Kodiak bears, though both are undeniably massive animals.