Watch a Fierce Grizzly Battle Over Whale Carcass Feast

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Written by Sharon Parry

Updated: November 10, 2023

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two grizzlies fight
© Erik Mandre/Shutterstock.com

Key Points:

  • Bears communicate by establishing a hierarchy when they encounter other bears by posturing.
  • Bears eat almost anything – including carrion.
  • Alaskan brown bears are expert fishermen and can often be seen standing in rushing water catching salmon.

Whales and bears are not two animals that you would normally expect to encounter each other very often, but that is what we see in this fascinating footage. Nearly two million have watched this absorbing video that was shot in Katmai National Park in Alaska, which is an important habitat for salmon and thousands of brown bears. In this stunning location, we see a fight breaking out over a whale carcass!

Bears Go Fishing

The Alaskan brown bears in the Katmai National Park have a plentiful supply of salmon to eat, and many bears are adept at fishing. However, they also eat a lot of other foods and have a varied diet. Brown bears are considered one of the most omnivorous animals on earth and will eat almost anything.

kodiak vs grizzly

Alaskan brown bears are superb fishermen but will eat almost anything – including carrion.

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©iStock.com/Jess Bray

That includes grass, fruit, and flowers, small mammals such as squirrels, and injured animals that they come across, including baby deer. They are also pleased to eat carrion, and a huge whale carcass on the shoreline would be too much for them to resist! It would provide them with a lot of meat at the water’s edge without them having to go to the effort of fishing for themselves.

To look for fish, bears will usually search in shallow pools where salmon are resting. They can also be seen standing in river currents and pouncing on fish as they are swimming or waiting on shores and scooping up fish that are thrown sideways by strong currents.

Fighting Over a Dead Whale

grizzly
Grizzly bears love to eat fish.

There is plenty of meat to go around in this large carcass, but things turn pretty nasty. At the start, two large male brown bears are strutting around and trying to act like the dominant male on the shore. Meanwhile, a few cubs happily feed on the whale, a sow (female), and her single yearling cub.

Tensions start to rise when a male approaches with a side-stepping walk that signifies that he thinks that he is in charge, and this clearly irritates the sow. The cub runs away, but she decides to take him on and seems to be holding her own. But then, help arrives!

Another male rushes in and attacks the first male. It turns into a classic bear wrestling match as they try to sweep each other’s legs away to knock each other off balance. There is a lot of growling and in-your-face aggression. Body language is super important in bear communication – body posture and movement are a big part of this. Eventually, the dejected loser slopes off into the forest. At the end of the video is a superb replay in slow motion so that we can truly appreciate the fighting moves of these two magnificent creatures.

Where Do Grizzly Bears Live?

Two Grizzly Bears fighting in water

Grizzly bears, also known as North American brown bears, are found in North America.

©AndreAnita/Shutterstock.com

Grizzly bears, also known as North American brown bears, are primarily found in the western regions of North America. They typically inhabit remote wilderness areas such as forests, mountains, and open plains. Grizzly bear populations can be found in Alaska, Canada’s British Columbia, and Yukon territories, as well as parts of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho.

These majestic creatures require a vast amount of space to roam freely in their natural habitat. As omnivores with a varied diet that includes berries, roots, insects, and occasionally meat from small mammals or fish- they need access to diverse plant life and ample sources of protein for sustenance.

However, grizzly bear populations have experienced significant declines due to the loss of habitat caused by human activities like urbanization and logging, which have resulted in the fragmentation of their habitats. This has led conservationists to work towards protecting these animals’ environments through measures such as land preservation initiatives or wildlife corridors connecting isolated habitats, ensuring genetic diversity among different grizzly subpopulations.

How Long Do Grizzly Bears Live?

Yellowstone grizzly bears can be at their most dangerous when they first emerge from hibernation.
Grizzly bears live for 20-25 years.

Grizzly bears, also known as North American brown bears, are one of the largest and most iconic land mammals in the world. Many people wonder how long these majestic animals can live in their natural habitats.

The answer to this question is not straightforward, as grizzly bear lifespan can be influenced by a variety of factors. In general, wild grizzlies have an average lifespan of 20-25 years. However, some individuals may live longer or shorter lives depending on environmental conditions and other factors.

One key factor that affects grizzly bear lifespan is their access to food resources. These animals need a steady supply of high-calorie foods such as berries, nuts, and fish to maintain good health and survive through harsh winters. Habitat loss due to human activities like logging or development can reduce food availability for grizzlies and therefore shorten their lifespans.

Another important factor is disease prevalence among populations. Grizzlies can be susceptible to diseases like mange or parasitic infections, which can weaken them over time and make it harder for them to hunt for food or defend themselves against predators.

In addition to environmental factors, genetics also play a role in determining how long an individual grizzly will live. Some bears may have genetic traits that make them more resilient or better adapted to certain environments than others.

Is it Normal for Bears to Fight Each Other?

Bear fighting in forest

If bears are fighting, it is usually over a mate.

©Sergey Uryadnikov/Shutterstock.com

Bears are known to be territorial animals, and it is not uncommon for them to engage in fights with other bears. These fights can occur between bears of the same sex or different sexes and can range from mild displays of aggression to full-on physical combat.

The reasons behind these fights vary but often involve competition for resources such as food, mates, or territory. Dominant bears may also assert their dominance over subordinate bears through aggressive behavior.

However, it is important to note that not all bear encounters result in fighting. In fact, many times, bears will use non-aggressive communication methods such as vocalizations and body language to establish boundaries and avoid conflict.

It should also be noted that human intervention in bear conflicts can have negative consequences for both humans and bears. It is important for individuals living in areas with bear populations to educate themselves on proper wildlife management techniques and avoid feeding or interacting with wild animals.

Do Grizzly Bears Often Eat Whale?

What Do Grizzly Bears Eat
Grizzly bears eat a wide variety of foods.

During the autumn, while they wait for hibernation, grizzlies will take to eating whale carcasses, either washed up or discarded from local fishing communities in Alaska. It is definitely a yummy meal for this predator.

However, more fights often break out between grizzly bears and polar bears, as the latter has been forced to forge for food on land during summer and fall because of retreating sea ice. Polar bears are often seen as solitary hunters, but as many as 20 can harmoniously share a carcass. When the grizzlies arrive, the scene can get ugly. Despite their noticeably smaller size, grizzly bears are quite aggressive and will chase the polar bears away, not willing to share. There are concerns the aggressive behavior of grizzly bears could put polar bear populations under even more stress.


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About the Author

Dr Sharon Parry is a writer at A-Z animals where her primary focus is on dogs, animal behavior, and research. Sharon holds a PhD from Leeds University, UK which she earned in 1998 and has been working as a science writer for the last 15 years. A resident of Wales, UK, Sharon loves taking care of her spaniel named Dexter and hiking around coastlines and mountains.

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