by Lisa Freeman

Brown bears, also known as grizzlies, are one of the many animals that love to camp out. But they don’t just like camping out, they love to fish too. Most Alaskan bears chow down on fresh salmon every morning, lounge around by the ocean in the sun in the afternoon, and kick back in the forest at night. Sounds like the life!

Piercing Paws

Wonder what the difference is between black and brown bears? Brown bears (grizzlies) are generally, well, brown (duh!) in color a lot bigger than the black ones. In fact, they can weigh up to 700 pounds. And they have super long claws. Each of their ten claws are as long as a human finger and as sharp as a knife. So, they don’t need fishing poles or even a hook. Instead they use their claws like a spear to pierce their dinner.

Not only are grizzlies excellent fishermen, but they are fast runners too. They can run up to 45 m.p.h. (without Nikes), and often prey on other animals when they’ve had bad luck fishing. They also eat grass, roots, berries, and insects. In fact, they eat a ton of stuff during the summer and fall so it will carry them over for the entire winter.

Deep Diggers

Instead of running off to Florida or a warmer climate when the cold hits, grizzlies seal themselves in a deep, dark cave or den that they’ve dug way underground, and take a long nap—like five to eight months long!

Cub Scouts

When cubs are born (often 2 at a time) in early January, they usually only weigh about one pound. These furry cuties spend the next few months nursing. By the time the cubs are ready to leave their den in the Spring, they weigh around 20 pounds, and begin the camping adventure!