Kodiak Bear by Ghirin

Kodiak Bear

The Kodiak bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi) is the largest subspecies of brown bear and the second largest carnivore in the world (second only to the polar bear). Mature boars (males) can reach 1500 pounds in weight, while mature females can reach up to 750 pounds. Male shoulder heights have been recorded up to 5 feet with standing heights up to 10 feet.

This unique bear is native only to the islands the Kodiak Archipelago, including Kodiak, Shuyak, and Afognak, and have been isolated from other brown bears for about 12,000 years. The current population is between 2800 to 3000 bears.

Even though they are classified as carnivores, Kodiak bears are actually omnivorous, eating a variety of foods and concentrating on what foods are in season. They eat a number of plant foods such as grasses, sedges, and berries when the the plants are most nutritous. Eggs, nestlings and salmon are also valued as rich sources of nutrition and a source of fat for winter hibernation.

Created by Ghirin 2003

Updated 2010-11-03

Just to save space with less in zip and smaller image.

Nothing new.