Bear Size ~

[Shadow]

(12-25-2020, 10:47 PM)Maritimus77 Wrote: Reply # 338 continued...

Kodiak Bear (data taken from Hensel and Troyer, 1969)

Average weight for the age class 5y-8y (sexually mature): 267kg (589lbs; n=9)
Average weight for the age class 9y+ (fully grown; spring specimens): 455kg (1002lbs; n=2)
Average weight for the age class 9y+ (fully grown; fall specimens): 523kg (1153lbs; n=2)
Absolute weight difference between the two age classes: 188kg (430lbs)
Relative weight difference between the two age classes: ~70%

These postings of yours are debatable. Firstly I think that brown bears are commonly considered as fully grown starting at the age of 8 years old. At that age skeleton is developed mostly to full size. Some marginal changes still happen, but not so much. I don´t know where you took the idea, that brown bears should be 9+ years old to be considered fully grown when scientific sources mostly mention 8 years as starting point. At that age it can be seen how tall bear is on hind legs and also shoulder height, even though it will be in more robust condition later.

Then again trying to put there some averages when sample size is only two bears isn´t reliable at all. It´s just a possibility, which can be right or wrong. So claiming that 455 kg would be average weight of Kodiak bears in spring time doesn´t stand up critical scrutiny with that small sample size. Same of course when looking at Alaskan peninsula brown bears. Average from 5 only is quite questionable. It is just slightly better estimation/guess. So while it can be calculated, conclusions should be very careful and with great caution as result can be false information.

Personally I think, that when sample size is approximately ten or more individuals it starts to approach some reliability although caution is still needed. Reply