There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
10-09-2018, 09:15 PM( This post was last modified: 10-09-2018, 09:16 PM by brotherbear )
TRUE GRIZZ by Douglas H. Chadwick.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Large size; wide, dished face; prominent muscular hump above the shoulders; long, whitish, slightly curved claws. These traits distinguish grizzlies from the far more common North American species, Ursus americanus, which is smaller, with a narrower head and much shorter, more strongly curved claws. Though known as the black bear, it comes in brown, cinnamon, gold, bluish, and even white color phases as well.
Adult Weight: From 250 pounds ( smallish females, Rocky Mountains ) to 1,800 pounds ( exceptional males, Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak Island.
Adult Length: 6 to 9 feet.
Adult Height at Shoulders: 3 to 4 feet.
Claw Length: 3.5 to 4 inches.
Top Speed: 30 to 35 miles per hour, with rapid acceleration.
Age at First Breeding: 3 to 4.5 in marginal habitat.
Breeding Seasons: May or June; early July in the far northern range.
Birthing Seasons: January or early February. As in the weasel ( or mustelid ) family, reptoduction in grizzlies involves delayed implantation. The embryo ceases development soon after conception and remains dormant until about November, when it becomes implanted in the wall of the uterus and resumes growing. Birth takes place two months later in the female's winter den, a dark, protected - womblike - environment, for continued early development.
Birth Weights: Just 1 to 1.5 pounds. The infant is nearly hairless, and its eyes remain closed for the first 10 days or longer.
Litter Size: 2 to 4. Twins are typical, triplets not uncommon, quadruplets somewhat rare.
Duration of Mother-Cub Association: 1 to 4 years; 2 or 3 is usual.
Interval Between Births: 2 to 4 years; most often 3.
Longevity: 25 to 30 years. One wild female in Montana, whose age was confirmed by counting annual tooth cementum layers, lived to be at least 35.
Intelligence: Keen, with rapid learning and strong long-term memory.
Emotions: Highly developed, varied, and potent.
Sociability: Semisolitary. Apart from the mother-young bond, associations are mostly transient, related to courtship and sharing of concentrated food supplies such as spawning salmon.