9 Wild Facts About the Average Brown Bear
Updated: Jan. 06, 2020In her own words.
You could say I’m a flexitarian.
While we enjoy salmon and trout, brown bears also eat a lot of berries, roots, grass, fruits, nuts, and small animals. We may be at the top of the food chain, but 80 to 90% of our diet is vegetation.
I hibernate for about 5 to 8 months.
During that time, I take resting very seriously. My heart rate and temperature both drop, and I stop excreting waste. I pretty much completely shut down. While I sleep, check out these weird facts about jellyfish.
I have delivered my babies in my sleep.
During the months of winter rest, my sisters and I will give birth to our cubs in our dens. My babies will then stay under my care for about two and a half years.
I’m kind of a lone wolf … er, bear.
Once we’re done traveling with our own moms as cubs, it is very rare to see a
group of us together. However, certain streams serve as gathering
spots for groups of us brown bears to hunt for salmon. (Mmm…salmon.)
Not to brag, but I’m huge.
We’re actually the largest of all bear species, ranging anywhere from 3 1/2 feet to 7 feet tall. Our weight fluctuates depending on gender, but the largest of us can reach 2,200 pounds.
We know how to give each other space.
To avoid conflict, brown bears will mark their home ranges as a warning for other bears to stay away, by rubbing against trees and urinating in our area.
