Grizzly bears are among the largest mammals in North America. Grizzlies often weigh from 400 to 800 pounds and when standing on hind legs grizzlies can reach from six to eight feet tall. Grizzlies are dark brown in color and are commonly identified by a hump on their back behind the neck, giving them an appearance different from other bear species.
About 1,920 grizzlies live in the wild in the lower 48 states of the United States, with the bears mainly living in Glacier National Park and surrounding wilderness and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Scientists have conducted extensive grizzly bear research to improve understanding of the species.
The likelihood of seeing a grizzly bear in the wild is a rare event. Anyway, meeting up with a grizzly bear in the wild can be a dangerous experience. Fortunately, visitors to Montana can view these magnificent mammals in captivity without hiking in the mountains and forests of western Montana.
Grizzly bears in captivity can be viewed at two locations in Montana: One location is at Grizzly Bear Encounter, a few miles east of Bozeman. The other location is at Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in the small village of West Yellowstone, near the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
Grizzly bears at these sites are typically “rescued” young animals, before becoming adult bears. Others were captured in the wild and brought in after conflicts with humans.
Montana is grizzly bear country; the grizzly is the official state mammal for Montana and the mascot for the University of Montana.
Viewing grizzly bears up close in captivity is a special experience. If you go out in areas where grizzly bears are present, protect yourself from potential harm by a grizzly bear. Take precautions.
