Common names: Brown Bear, Grizzly Bear, Grizzlies, Kodiaks

Scientific name: Ursus arctos (Kodiak subspecies: Ursus arctos middendorffi)

Species: Brown bears and grizzlies are really the same species.  Brown bears are just the coastal version of grizzlies and because of the abundance of fish they tend to be larger than the inland grizzlies.  Kodiaks on the other hand are actually a subspecies of the brown bear and only live on Kodiak Island (and small surrounding islands) in Alaska. Kodiaks are the largest carnivores in the world with large males exceeding 1500 lbs (large male polar bears can be just about as large though).  See family tree for all species of bear here.

Range: Alaska, Canada and Russia with small numbers in the lower U.S. 48 and Europe.  Originally their North American range extended from the arctic circle in the north, northern Mexico to the south, the Pacific ocean to the west and the Mississippi River to the east; however, mankind's relentless desire to kill has reduced their population in the lower 48 to only five small protected areas

Weight:: Average males 400-800 lbs; average females 300-600 lbs; large males may get up to 1500 lbs with 1000 lbs being fairly common for males where fish are abundant

Longevity: 15-20+ years in the wild; 30+ years in captivity

Top Speed: 35 mph although a brown bear in Denali National Park in Alaska was clocked at 41 mph!

Age at sexual maturity: Typically 3.5 years, although many don't give birth until they are 6-9 years old

Frequency of Reproduction: 1 to 3 cubs (occasionally even 4 cubs) every 3-4 year