Watch the Intense Showdown Between Two Huge Grizzly Bears in the Middle of Roaring Rapids

In this fascinating clip, not only do we get to see an encounter between two large male grizzlies in a river but we also get an expert commentary. The bears are well known to the National Park Service and have been given numbers to identify them. This particular encounter did not result in a physical confrontation and neither of the bears were injured. However, we do get to see some fascinating bear body language!

Watch the Fascinating Clip Below

For example, bear 856 is making a direct approach with his ears facing forward which is a confrontational stance. Meanwhile, bear 747 has moved out of the area of the river where he was fishing. He is sitting in a semi-subordinate pose.

Things get worse when bear 856 adopts a bite pose and this is matched by a similar pose from bear 747. We also learn that Bear 856 is known to be a good fighter. This may mean that the 747 is in trouble! However, on this occasion bear 856 turns and walks away which means that he is the ‘winner’ of this particular encounter.

Is it Normal For Grizzly Bears to Fight?

Yes, grizzly bears will get into fights but only under certain circumstances. They are not territorial in the way that some other animals are and they do not patrol or defend a particular patch of the forest. However, they will get into confrontations over particular resources for example over a food source.

Male grizzly bears will also get into fights over the mating rights of a particular female during the mating season. The rest of the time they respect each other’s personal space and tend to just avoid each other.

Do Grizzly Bears Eat Fish?

Grizzly bears are omnivores and eat both plant and animal proteins. Most of their diet is made up of plant material but they are very partial to both fish and mammals if they can get hold of them. Their diet varies by the time of year and also by the particular habitat where they are living. All grizzlies eat plants, berries, and insects. However, those living near rivers and the coast can become experts at catching fish!

They know exactly where to wait to catch salmon in particular and bear 856 didn’t want to share his patch of river with any other bear!

How Large Do Grizzly Bears Get?

Grizzly bears can reach weights of more than 700 pounds, although on average, males will weigh between 400-600 pounds, while the females, who are usually smaller, will weigh between 250-350 pounds. Adult grizzlies stand at 3-5 feet at the shoulder, or on all fours, and when on their hind legs can reach heights of over 10 feet tall.