Glacier Bear
Glacier Bear
Glacier Bear
In the majestic glacial regions of Alaska, lives a bear with a beautiful bluish-gray coat: the glacier bear. These bears, a subspecies of the American black bear, captivate people with their unique coloration. Let's explore the ecology of the glacier bear, their environment, and their relationship with humans.
Glacier Bear Basic Infomation
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ursus americanus emmonsii |
| Taxonomic Status | SUBSPECIES |
| Rank | SPECIES |
| Vernacular Names | Glacier bear |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Mammalia |
| Order | Carnivora |
| Family | Ursidae |
| Genus | Ursus |
| Habitats | Southeast Alaska, coastal British Columbia |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (IUCN 2023) |
Size
They are about 3.9 to 5.9 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) long, with males weighing around 220 to 400 pounds (100 to 180 kilograms). Females are smaller, weighing around 88 to 154 pounds (40 to 70 kilograms). They are of average size among black bears. However, their bluish-gray coat is a very rare characteristic.
Lifespan
They live for about 20 to 25 years in the wild, and can live for over 30 years in captivity.
Distribution
They are found in Southeast Alaska and the coastal regions of British Columbia, Canada. They are often seen near the coast and along rivers, where they can take advantage of the abundant food resources.
Glacier Bear Q&A
What kind of bear is the glacier bear?
The glacier bear is a subspecies of the American black bear, found in Southeast Alaska and the coastal regions of British Columbia, Canada.
As their name suggests, they have a distinctive bluish-gray coat. This coat color is very rare and distinguishes them from other black bears. In English, they are called 'glacier bears' because they inhabit glacial areas. They are smaller, have rounder faces, and larger skulls compared to other American black bears. This is thought to be an adaptation to their diet, which consists of a lot of the diverse plants found in Southeast Alaska. Glacier bears are omnivores, eating fruits, nuts, plant roots, insects, and sometimes even small animals and carrion. They are good climbers and can often be seen eating fruit or resting high up in trees. They are also known to hibernate during the winter, spending the cold months in dens dug in the ground or in tree hollows until spring arrives.
What do glacier bears eat?
Glacier bears are omnivores, and their diet changes with the seasons.
In the spring, they emerge from hibernation and eat grasses and buds. In the summer, they enjoy a variety of berries, fruits, and insects. In the fall, they eat lots of salmon to build up fat reserves for hibernation. They do not eat anything during hibernation. They have a very keen sense of smell and can detect the scent of food from miles away. They also use their strong forelegs to dig up roots and insect larvae. They are known to forage for shellfish along the coastline, using their powerful jaws and teeth to crack open shells.
[Quiz!] Why are glacier bears blue?
The reason for the glacier bear's bluish-gray coat is not fully understood.
However, experts speculate that it might be related to the humid environment of Southeast Alaska where they live. Although it is known that they have a gene that produces the bluish-gray pigment in their fur, it is still a mystery why this gene is expressed.
[Quiz!] Is it true that female glacier bears give birth during hibernation?
Yes, it's true! Female glacier bears give birth to one to three cubs during hibernation.
The cubs are very small and hairless when they are born. They are kept warm by their mother's body heat and feed on her milk. They emerge from the den with their mother in the spring.
[Quiz!] Are glacier bears dangerous to humans?
Glacier bears are very powerful animals and can attack humans.
However, they are generally afraid of humans and rarely attack proactively. If you encounter a glacier bear, do not approach or provoke it, and quietly leave the area. When entering their habitat, be cautious and do not leave food unattended or litter, as these actions can attract bears to human settlements.
[Quiz!] Are glacier bears endangered?
The glacier bear is listed as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List.
This means that they are not currently considered endangered. However, their habitat is being impacted by human activities, including deforestation and development. Glacier bears are also popular for tourism, but there are concerns about the impact of tourism and development on their habitat. Conservation efforts are underway, and it is important to maintain their habitat in partnership with local communities.
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Glacier Bear Type of List
Characteristics of Glacier Bears
- Subspecies of the American black bear
- Found in Southeast Alaska and coastal British Columbia
- Bluish-gray fur
- Small body and round face
- Large skull
- Omnivorous
- Hibernate
- Least Concern (LC)
Information
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Glacier Bear References
Glacier Bear Introduction of media used
National Parks Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
National Park Service, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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Glacier Bear
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