Caribou-Targhee National Forest

Grizzly Bear:

Color varies from blond to black. Often medium-to dark-brown legs, hump, and underside with light-tipped (grizzled) fur on head, face, and upper body
Average weight is 500 pounds for males and 350 for females. Males may weigh up to 800 pounds.
Height is 3 1/2 - 4 feet at shoulder when on all fours, and 6 - 7 feet when standing upright.
Distinctive shoulder hump is actually muscle mass that enables powerful diggin.
Rump is lower than shoulder hump.
A dished-in profile between eyes and end of snout helps distinguish grizzlies from black bears.
Ears are round and proportionately small.
Front claws are 2-4 inches long, slightly curved. Claw marks are usually visible in tracks.

To report the sighting of a grizzly bear click here.

Black Bear:

Colors include black, brown, blond, cinnamon, and rust. The most common snout color is light brown.
Average weight in the West is 100-300 pounds, with males usually larger than females. Males may weigh up to 400 or more pounds.
Height is 2 1/2 - 3 feet at the shoulder when standing on all fours and 5 feet standing upright.
Rump is higher than front shoulders.
Face profile is straight; snout is long.
Ears are tall and pointed.
Front claws are less than 2 inches long and curved. Claw marks are not ususally visable in tracks.