It is a common misconception that grizzly bears are always brown and black bears are always black. Relying solely on fur color to identify these animals can be misleading, as both species exhibit a wide range of coat variations. Grizzly bears, a North American subspecies of brown bears, can indeed have black fur.
The Spectrum of Grizzly Bear Color
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) display a broad spectrum of fur colors, ranging from very light blonde or silver to various shades of brown, and even black. The name “grizzly” itself refers to the “grizzled” appearance caused by white-tipped hairs, particularly on their back and shoulders, which gives some individuals a frosted look. This coloration is not uniform across their body, as their legs often appear darker than their upper parts.
Several factors influence a grizzly bear’s fur color, including genetics, diet, and environmental conditions. Genes determine the type and amount of pigments produced in their fur. Environmental factors, such as habitat type and sun exposure, can also affect coat appearance; for instance, bears in coastal areas may be lighter, and fur can bleach over time from sunlight. Diet can also contribute to healthier fur.
Black Bears and Their Colors
Despite their name, American black bears (Ursus americanus) are not exclusively black. Their coats can vary significantly, appearing as brown, cinnamon, blonde, or even white. In some regions, only about 50% of black bears are actually black, with others exhibiting lighter shades. The Kermode bear, a subspecies found in coastal British Columbia, is a notable example, with some individuals having creamy white fur due to a recessive gene.
The prevalence of certain color phases in black bears can depend on geographic location and environmental factors. For example, black coats are more common in humid eastern regions, while brown, cinnamon, or blonde phases are more frequent in western states with open, sunnier habitats. Lighter fur may offer camouflage and reduce heat stress in open environments.
Beyond Color Identifying Bears
Since fur color is an unreliable indicator, identifying bears accurately relies on recognizing specific physical characteristics. One of the most distinguishing features of a grizzly bear is the prominent muscular hump located between its shoulder blades. This hump is absent in black bears, whose profile typically slopes more evenly from the neck. When a black bear is on all fours, its highest point is often the middle of its back or its rump.
Another key difference lies in their facial profiles. Grizzly bears usually have a concave, or “dish-shaped,” face with a noticeable dip between their eyes and the end of their nose. In contrast, black bears generally have a straighter, more dog-like facial profile from their forehead to their nose tip. Their ears also differ, with grizzlies having shorter, more rounded ears in proportion to their heads, while black bears possess larger, more pointed ears that appear more erect.
Claw length and shape provide further clues. Grizzly bears have long, gently curved front claws, adapted for digging. Black bears have shorter, more sharply curved claws, suited for climbing trees. While grizzly bears are generally larger and more robust, size can overlap significantly between species, especially between a large black bear and a young grizzly, making it a less reliable identification factor.
Where Grizzlies and Black Bears Live
Grizzly bears and American black bears inhabit different, yet sometimes overlapping, geographic ranges across North America. Grizzly bears are primarily found in western North America, including Alaska, much of western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories), and isolated populations in the northwestern United States, such as Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming. Their historical range was much broader, extending across the western half of the contiguous United States.
American black bears have a wider distribution, found across various habitats throughout Canada, Alaska, and in many parts of the contiguous United States, extending into Mexico. They are the most common bear species in North America. While both species can occupy similar areas in some states and provinces, knowledge of the typical range can sometimes assist in identification.