There are currently eight different brown bear subspecies that are recognized by Safari Club International. The bears of the world can be found in the most remote parts of North America, Eastern Europe, Asia and Russia. They are one of the most interesting, powerful, awe inspiring animals on earth.
Brown Bear Subspecies in Europe and Asia
- Siberian Brown Bears range right between the Eurasian and Kamchatka Brown Bear in size. They have larger skulls and are more bold around people than some of the other brown bear varieties.
- Eurasian Brown Bears have a wide range of coloration from brown to blonde to reddish brown and even almost black. There have also been reported cases of albinism. They have round heads, small ears and wide skulls.
- Amur Brown Bears, also known as Ussuri Brown Bears can be identified by their elongated skull, smaller forehead, and much darker color. Some call them the black grizzly.
- Kamchatka Brown Bears are the largest bears in Eurasia. With a much wider skull than the Alaska Peninsula Brown Bears, they can can grow nearly as large, from 7 feet- 9 feet in length.
North American Brown Bears
There are about 25,000 brown bears across Canada and the Northwest Territories; 30,000 in Alaska and about 1,500 in the lower 48. Technically these bears are the same as the grizzly bear. Here’s how to tell the difference between brown and grizzly bears.
- Kodiak Brown Bear is considered by many to be the largest subspecies of Brown Bear, They inhabit the islands of the Kodiak Archipelago. They are most active during the day and tend to go into hibernation in late October and leave their dens in early April.
- Alaska Peninsula Brown Bear are some of the biggest bears in the world. They can range from 750-1250 lbs and can reach over 10 ft. They rival even the Kodiak Brown Bear. They’ve reached weights up to 1,500 lbs.
- Sitka Brown Bear can be found in Southeast Alaska and Admiralty Island, Baranof Island and Chichagof Island (ABC Islands). They look a lot like the Alaskan Grizzly bear with a humped back and a nasty reputation.
Live Like You Mean It
Contact Us
We've helped thousands of OI clients plan their adventures
Our team of professional consultants are ready to help you research, book and plan an amazing trip with one of our amazing outfitter partners around the world.
I didn't think an experience like this was possible.
This trip, was, for me at least not just a trip, for me it was a real adventure, a real experience. I love the wilderness and this trip afforded me the opportunity to connect with the Alaskan wilderness in ways very few people do. It was an experience I will never forgot in a place I can’t wait to get back to.Oliver Fischer
The outfitter handled everything perfectly.
We were thankful that Outdoors International hooked us up with a great outfitter because they were able to find us an acceptable alternate on short notice. Overall the two year process to get this float in was seamless and worry free. Just like it should be.Thank you, Stan Masneri
What an amazing experience!
The lodge was out of this world! Our rooms, the delicious food, the incredible wildlife and the scenery were amazing. Our photo safari guide was truly exceptional and had us on animals almost constantly. We saw over 30 different species and had some incredible up close experiences. Africa is amazing!Scott Navares
Copyright 2005-2025 © Outdoors International™ · All Rights Reserved.