grizzly bear in Western Montana and glacier national park

Discover Western Montana’s Grizzly Bears

Western Montana is home to concentrated populations of the Grizzly Bear, characterized by a distinctive hump on its shoulders, as well as powerful forearms for digging. Typically, a grizzly’s coat is dark brown, but it can vary from very light cream to black. Grizzly Bears can reach weights between 400 and 1,500 pounds and may even stand at 8 feet tall. In spite of their massive size, grizzlies can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour. Sows, female bears, are very protective of their young. If you see a cub on a trail or out hiking, you can be sure its mama is close and should use great care. Do not come between a cub and its mother, as you will be perceived as threatening the cub. Grizzly Bears usually live on a diet of berries, insects, grass and mammals. For more on the Grizzly Bear, visit Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Read about bear safety here.