By Nat Hab Expedition Chief Eddy Savage 

The broad public notion of brown bears (Ursus arctos) is that they possess furry brown coats—therefore the identify—and that each one brown bears usually resemble each other. In any case, how usually do you will have the chance to match the coats and options of a number of brown bears aspect by aspect?

However bear with me right here: Brown bears not often ever look equivalent. In reality, the one widespread options they share are 1) they’re furry, 2) they’ve a big muscular hump on their entrance shoulders, 3) their claws are lengthy and scoop-shaped, and 4) they’ve rounded ears and a dish-shaped face, resembling a teddy bear.

Brown Bear Variations

Brown bears can range dramatically in physique measurement, coloration, facial options, claw colours and scarring. A bear that seems one shade with its spring/summer time coat could showcase a remarkably completely different coat come autumn. Some bears have ears set additional aside, some have eyes nearer collectively, some boast an extended nostril and a taller brow, others show a mismatch of patchy coloration throughout their physique, and a few bear distinct scars.

Having labored as a bear-viewing information for the previous decade, I’ve come to acknowledge particular person brown bears from a distance based mostly on the aforementioned traits. I simply determine bears that I’ve seen yr after yr by their physique proportions, facial options, scarring, fur colorations, and physique actions. In reality, there are a couple of bears I can determine from half a mile away fairly simply.

I hope you’ll get pleasure from this assortment of brown bear images from our Alaska adventures and recognize every bear in all its individuality!

Meet A few of Alaska’s Brown Bears

This grownup feminine is greater than 20 years outdated. Certainly one of her most distinct options is her very blonde face.

This younger grownup male, with ears set fairly far aside, exemplifies the brown bear’s dish-shaped brow. Male bears attain their peak measurement round 12 to 17 years outdated. Judging by the scale of this bear’s snout, he’ll doubtless develop fairly a bit bigger!

This young adult male, with ears set quite far apart, exemplifies the dish-shaped forehead. Male bears reach their peak size around 12-17 years old. Judging by the size of this bear’s snout, he’ll likely grow quite a bit more.
This grownup feminine in her 20s undergoes immense fur shade sample modifications from yr to yr. Her physique form and a tiny scar above her proper nostril assist us ID her every season.

This adult female in her 20s undergoes immense fur color pattern changes from year to year. Her body shape and a tiny scar above her right nostril help us ID her.
This grownup male, in his late teenagers or probably early 20s, bears in depth scarring throughout his physique and is lacking an ear, the results of scuffles with different males throughout the breeding season whereas competing for or defending mating alternatives.

This adult male, in his late teens or possibly early 20s, bears extensive scarring across his body and is missing an ear, the result of scuffles during the breeding season while competing for or defending mating opportunities.
This picture exhibits a comparatively uniform brown bear. Be aware the thinner fur on the bear’s brow. That is typical throughout springtime amongst most male bears, as they rub intensely on scent-marking timber within the space.

This image shows a relatively uniform brown bear. Note the thinner fur on the bear’s forehead, typical during springtime among most male bears, as they rub intensely on scent-marking trees in the area.
This younger male brown bear’s fur takes on an virtually golden hue within the daylight. Once more, observe the size of the snout—this bear nonetheless has some rising to do!

This young male brown bear’s fur takes on an almost golden hue in the sunlight. Again, observe the length of the snout—this bear has some growing to do.
This younger feminine brown bear was round 7 or 8 on this image. I’ve watched her annually since she was a yearling cub. Certainly one of her distinct options is her eyes; she has a lot darker fur across the eyes, with very blonde hair on the remainder of her face, making her simply recognizable.

This young female brown bear was around 7 or 8 in this picture. I’ve watched her each year since she was a yearling cub. One of her distinct features is her eyes; much darker fur around the eyes with very blonde hair on the rest of her face makes her easily recognizable.
This younger bear is munching on Lyngby’s sedge—an essential springtime meals. It shows a uniform brown shade, however the ears are barely pointy and asymmetrical.

This bear, munching on Lyngby’s sedge—an important springtime food, displays a uniform brown color, but the ears are slightly pointy and asymmetrical.
The darkish “socks” on this bear will support in figuring out it sooner or later. This bear is roughly 3.5 years outdated. You possibly can discern its youth, because the face nonetheless retains some cub-like proportions.

The dark “socks” on this bear will aid in identifying it in the future. This bear is roughly 3.5 years old. You can discern its youth as the face still retains some cub-like proportions.
Lastly, we now have some very younger cubs of the yr. These two have been doubtless 3–4 months outdated and weighed round 20 lbs every. Their mom is the bear in picture No. 1, and it’s already evident that she’s handed on her blonde facial fur to her cubs. Lovely!

Lastly, we have some very young cubs of the year. These two were likely 3-4 months old and weighed around 20 lbs. Their mother is the bear in image #1, and it’s already evident that she’s passed on her blonde facial fur to her cubs. Adorable!

Wish to see brown bears within the wild? Discover our Alaska adventures!