Kodiak Bear (not currently on exhibit)

scientific name

Ursus arctos middendorffi

size

Weight. males 1500-1600 lbs. " females 600-1000 lbs.
Head/Tail Length. +9-10'
largest land carnivore

characteristics

large size due to good food supply (huge amount fish) rather than genetic/geographic location
Eyesight. poor
Foreclaws. long " not well adapted for climbing
Gait. slow " can move fast if need
Hearing. good
Smell. excellent

behavior

dormant in winter " digs den " respiration & heart rate drop substantially " temperature drops only slightly " easily awakened " does not hibernate

reproduction/life span

Life span. wild 25-30 yrs " captivity 25-40 yrs
Mate. May-July
Implantation. delayed until Sept-Oct
Gestation. 90 days
Cubs. 1-4 " born Jan-Mar in den " 1-2½ lbs. " remain in den Jan-May " weaned 5 mos. " have been known to suckle into 2nd yr. " remain with mother 1½-4½ yrs

diet

Wild. grasses, roots, berries, rodents, fish, & carrion
Zoo. omnivore chow, fish, fruits, & vegetables

habitat/range

mountainous evergreen forests " grassy coastal plains " Kodiak, Afgonak, & Shuyak islands off southeast coast of Alaska peninsula

status

usfw Threatened " cites App II " habitat vulnerable " national park well watched

other

subspecies of brown bear (as is grizzly) " Kodiak is an island population with slightly different appearance & larger size
Differences from American Black Bear. prominent hump (larger) on shoulders " longer fur " longer claws

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