Kodiak Bear

Other animals

Two quick facts

• Kodiak bears are found only in Alaska’s Kodiak Archipelago
• They hibernate during the colder months in dens

The Kodiak brown bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi) is a unique subspecies of brown bear found exclusively on the Kodiak Archipelago in Alaska. This includes Kodiak Island and its neighboring islands such as Afognak, Shuyak, Raspberry, Uganik, and Sitkalidak. With an estimated population of around 3,500 bears, they are one of the largest bear species in the world.

Kodiak brown bears share many behaviors and dietary habits with their mainland relatives, the grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis). These bears are active for just over half the year, foraging for salmon, berries, and other vital foods. During the colder months, they retreat into dens for hibernation.

Learn more about kodiak bears on U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Fun Facts

Top 3 Reasons to Love Them

1. Their stylish, spiky appearance.
2. They’re small but feisty.
3. They live in some of the toughest environments.