Grizzly bears are massive animals, with adult males weighing between 400 and 600 pounds and adult females weighing between 250 to 350 pounds. The largest will get in the a range upwards of 700 pounds. But don’t let the size fool you, they are remarkably fast.
There isn’t one true answer for the exact speed of grizzly bears, but the general consensus seems to give them a top speed of around 35mph. In 1937, William E. Kearns wrote a bulletin issued by Yellowstone National Park that put their top speed at 30mph, while brown bears in Alaska have been reported with top speeds closer to 40mph in short bursts. For comparison, the world’s fastest known human, Usain Bolt, reached his fastest recorded speed at 27.33mph.
This clip, taken from a helicopter in the woods of Canada, shows just how fast these animals can move. The grizzly bear barrels through a field of small trees, hardly slowed by any obstacles in its way.
It’s safe to say that a grizzly bear charge is not something any person can simply run away from. Of course most of the time grizzlies will mind their own business if you keep your distance and give them the respect they deserve. Plus being prepared with bear spray and other deterrent measures can keep the risk of an attack low in the case of a bear encounter. Read more on bear safety below.
Parks Canada Grizzly Encounter Guidelines:
If you SEE a bear
Stop and remain calm. Get ready to use your bear spray. Do not run away.
Is the bear UNAWARE of your presence?
Move away quietly without getting its attention.
Is the bear AWARE of your presence?
Bears may bluff their way out of an encounter by charging and then turning away at the last second. Bears may also react defensively by woofing, growling, snapping their jaws and laying their ears back.
- Stay calm. Your calm behaviour can reassure the bear. Screams or sudden movements may trigger an attack.
- Speak to the bear. Talk calmly and firmly. This lets the bear know you are human and not a prey animal. If a bear rears on its hind legs and waves its nose about, it is trying to identify you.
- Back away slowly. Never run! Running may trigger a pursuit.
- Make yourself appear BIG. Pick up small children and stay in a group.
- Do not drop your pack. It can provide protection.
If you must proceed, make a wide detour around a bear or wait at a safe distance for it to move on.
If the bear APPROACHES
Stop and remain calm. Get ready to use your bear spray. Do not run away. Assess the bear’s behaviour and determine why it is approaching.
Is it DEFENSIVE?
The bear is feeding, protecting its young and/or surprised by your presence. It sees you as a threat. The bear will appear stressed or agitated and may vocalize.
- Try to appear non-threatening.
- Talk in a calm voice.
- When the bear stops advancing, start slowly moving away.
- If it keeps coming closer, stand your ground, keep talking, and use your bear spray.
- If the bear makes contact, fall on the ground and play dead. Lie still and wait for the bear to leave.
Is it NON-DEFENSIVE?
A bear may be curious, after your food, or testing its dominance. In the rarest case, it might be predatory–seeing you as potential prey. All of these non-defensive behaviours can appear similar and should not be confused with defensive behaviours.
The bear will be intent on you with head and ears up.
- Talk in a firm voice.
- Move out of the bear’s path.
- If it follows you, stop and stand your ground.
- Shout and act aggressively.
- Try to intimidate the bear.
- If it approaches closely, use your bear spray.