The grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) is a powerful subspecies of brown bear recognized for its distinctive shoulder hump and immense size. Understanding the physical makeup of this large mammal, particularly its feet, offers insight into its lifestyle and capabilities. This article addresses the specific question of the number of digits on a grizzly bear’s feet.
The Total Number of Digits
Grizzly bears possess five distinct toes, or digits, on each of their four feet. This configuration is consistent across all four limbs, resulting in a total of 20 digits for the entire animal. This pentadactyl limb structure is a common trait among mammals, shared by the entire Ursidae family, which includes all bear species.
Anatomy of the Grizzly Bear Foot
The grizzly bear’s foot is structured to support its large body mass and facilitate foraging. Bears are plantigrade, meaning they walk with the entire sole of the foot flat on the ground, similar to humans. This stance provides stability and leverage, contributing to the bear’s powerful movements.
The digits are equipped with thick, protective pads and terminate in long, slightly curved claws. A grizzly bear’s claws are non-retractable, remaining extended at all times. These substantial claws, which can measure between two and four inches long on the front feet, are primarily tools for excavation. They enable the bear to dig up roots, burrowing rodents, and ground squirrels with great efficiency.
Interpreting Footprints
The unique anatomy of the grizzly bear foot translates into a distinct track used for identification in the wilderness. A grizzly track shows the clear impression of five toes arranged in a shallow arc across the front of the print. Often, the inner-most toe may not fully register, sometimes making it appear as though there are only four toes. The plantigrade stance ensures that a large heel pad is often visible, giving the impression of a large, human-like footprint.
A defining characteristic of the grizzly track is the mark left by its long claws, which appear as distinct indentations set far forward of the toe pads. This distance between the toe pad and the claw mark is a reliable feature for distinguishing a grizzly track from that of a black bear. The front tracks tend to be wider and more square, while the rear tracks are longer and more rectangular.