Kodiak bear

Kodiak

The Kodiak bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi ) is a subspecies of brown bears. He lives on the Kodiak Island and adjacent islands ( Afognak and Shuyak ) off the southern coast of Alaska and is next to the polar bear and the Kamtschatkabär as the largest land-living predator on the planet.

Features

Kodiak bears reach a body length of up to 2.8 meters, a shoulder height of up to 1.5 meters and an overall length of up to 3m. The heaviest specimens reach a weight of just 780 kg, the average weight is 389 kg in males and 207 kg for females. Kodiak bears are thus the largest subspecies of brown bears. They have their usual body with stocky body, long, powerful limbs and a massive head; Coat color of beige on cinnamon brown to almost black. The tail is just a stub, as with all bears.

Way of life

In much of their way of life, the Kodiak Bear are consistent with the other brown bears. They are diurnal and nocturnal, solitary, with sufficient food, however, compatible with each other. The Kodiak bear swims and climbs well, its areas are significantly smaller than those of other bears in northern North America. During the cold months they hold a winter rest. They are omnivorous, taking both plants such as grasses, berries and roots as well as carrion meat to him. An important role in their diet plays fish: During the spawning migrations of salmon in the summer and autumn are often gather dozens of animals along the rivers to fish the coveted food from the water or to snatch in the air as they cross small waterfalls.

The reproduction is consistent with that of other brown bears. Mating usually takes place in June or July, but the fertilized egg implants itself only one in November. During the hibernation period ( in January or February ) one to three newborns coming into hibernation cave to the world, which are tiny, as with all bears. The young stay around two to four years in the mother.

System

Today, usually only two subspecies of brown bears in North America to be recognized, the Kodiak bear and the grizzly bear. However, the transitions are fluid, and the bears on the southern coast of Alaska almost reach the dimensions and perform the same lifestyle as the Kodiak bear.

Kodiak bears and people

After the stock of Kodiak bears had declined by hunting, 1941, a part of Kodiak Island was placed under protection. Today, under strictly limited guidelines are around 160 animals per year fair game, the total population is estimated at around 3000 animals. The animals have also become an attraction and play a significant role in tourism in the region.

Trivial

A popular Kodiak was Bart the Bear. He starred in such films as The Bear and The Razor's Edge.