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Bear Identification
Grizzly
bears and black bears look different in several ways.
Color and
size cannot be used for identification because they vary greatly in both species
of bears. Look for a combination of several characteristics.
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The
shoulder hump (muscles to assist digging roots) is usually much more
pronounced on a grizzly bear than a black bear.
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The
facial profile of a grizzly bear is more ‘concave’ than the ‘roman
nose’ profile of a black bear.
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Grizzly
bear front claws are as long as a human finger, while black bear claws are
much shorter and more curved to assist in climbing.
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Grizzly
bear ears are shorter and rounder than black bear ears.
Illustrations by Ward P. Hooper. © Interagency
Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC)
To take an online bear ID test, go to one of the the websites below (sites not associated with
GBOP):
Bear
ID test 1
Bear
ID test 2
Grizzly
bear or black bear tracks?
The
difference between grizzly bear and black bear tracks can be very subtle.
However, the Palmisciano line method can help you to identify a grizzly bear
track correctly. For a printable instruction sheet click
here. Take it into the backcountry with you - if you come across what you
think is a grizzly bear track, take a photograph, and some measurements and
call the number below. For a more detailed bear ID Fact Sheet (pdf format), click
here (443kb).
For
information on how to purchase
a grizzly bear track cast, click here.
Please
report all grizzly bear observations and field sign to:
1-888-WOLF-BEAR
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