The Differences Between Black and Grizzly Bears

Specialist bear tours are often part of the portfolio of the top wildlife holiday specialists. They are becoming more and more appealing to avid nature lovers seeking to book an experience with a difference. There really is nothing quite like seeing the world’s most majestic animals in the flesh, and few are quite as impressive as the bear. Tours that take you deep into bear habitat offer you the unique opportunity to spend time alongside these creatures and learn more about how they live and survive.

The Difference Between Black Bears and Grizzly Bears

The two are often confused, and although when you are on bear tours you will have a guide with you who will be able to point out the differences, it is useful to have some prior knowledge in order to help you distinguish between them.

Colour

Black Bears are not always black as you might think, and can in fact vary in colour from black to blonde. Many have a lighter patch of fur on the chest, and even the very dark ones may have a light coloured snout. The Grizzlies also range in colour, but are mainly medium brown. The ‘grizzled’ look comes from the lighter tips of the long hairs, which are a different shade to the roots.

Height

Grizzly Bears can be up to two metres tall when fully standing and around approximately a metre tall at the shoulder when on all fours. Black Bears are smaller and when standing tall reach about a metre and a half.

Body Shape

The body shape of these two species also varies. The distinct shoulder hump that is seen in Grizzly Bears is not evident in Black Bears. The feature is a result of the huge muscles that the Grizzlies have developed in order to dig for roots and catch ground squirrels.

Face

The facial features and shape of the two species are very different. Grizzly Bears have a depression between the eyes and the tip of the nose, a concave profile, and short, round ears. The Black Bears have more of a long ‘Roman’ style profile, with a straight line leading from the forehead to the end of the nose, and bigger, more pointed ears.

Claws

Any animal's claws can be quite menacing, but particularly those of the Grizzly Bear have an infamous reputation. Their claws are between five and ten centimetres long and make clear prints in their tracks. The length of their claws means they can be seen from quite some distance away, so in theory this is one of the easiest ways to distinguish them. Black Bears have shorter claws that are around four centimetres long, so are not as evident in their tracks.

Where you choose to take bear tours, of course, will determine which species you'll encounter. The above information will give you a head start on identifying these two magnificent species.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re looking for bear tours, Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to polar expeditions and tours to other spectacular regions on Earth.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.