Grizzly Bears once roamed in huge numbers across North America, from California to the Great Plains, from Mexico to Alaska. Grow up to 3 feet tall, 250-850 pounds & live up to 20-25 years. Grizzly bears are solitary animals. Omnivores – eat seeds, berries, roots, grasses, fungi, deer, elk, fish, dead animals & insects.
Like many species, human transformation of landscapes & fear has led to near-eradication of grizzly bears. Grizzly bear is now listed as an ‘Endangered Species’. Population is down to less than a 1000 bears. Human-bear conflicts have been a leading cause of grizzly bear deaths.
Bear co-existence programs help. Electric fence systems that effectively deter grizzly bears from entering human habitat are being considered. Will keep bears from getting food-conditioned at camp-sites or dumps resulting in euthanasia. Bear resistant garbage bags are being created.
Bear awareness education, training in communities, schools or camp-sites are needed to raise the sensitivity & urgency of the challenge. Remarkable conservation efforts are helping restore Grizzly Bear numbers.