Watch Alaska’s Grizzly Bears Get the “Zoomies” in This Crazy Footage

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If you want to see grizzly bears, Alaska is the place to go. These incredible creatures are important keystone species and vital in shaping the state’s landscape and ecosystem. They are formidable predators but also have a surprisingly inquisitive side. Sometimes they even get the “zoomies” as you’ll see in this crazy footage of grizzlies running all over the place in Alaska!

Where Do Grizzly Bears Live in Alaska?

Native to North America, grizzly bears (also known as brown bears) live in nearly all areas of Alaska. In fact, the state is home to more than 98% of the world’s brown bear population! The only regions of Alaska where grizzly bears are not found are on some of the state’s many islands.

While all grizzly bears in Alaska are technically the same species, their appearance can vary based on where they live. Grizzly bears living on Alaska’s mainland, for example, are slightly smaller than those that live along the coast. Coastal grizzlies, in contrast, are larger due to the abundant food available along the coast. In Alaska, mainland bears are typically referred to as “grizzly bears”. In contrast, coastal bears (like those in the video above) are usually called “brown bears”.

Grizzly bears (or brown bears) in Alaska are larger than black bears and have a unique “hump” on the back of their shoulders. This large, well-developed shoulder structure is covered with dense muscles, making grizzly bears stronger than other species.

The Social Dynamics of Grizzly Bears

Grizzly bears aren’t just big animals — they also have very big brains. Grizzlies can use tools, scout areas, and navigate social hierarchies. Although generally solitary animals, grizzlies gather in large groups in areas where there is plenty of food to go around. It’s common to see groups of grizzlies in coastal areas or near whale carcasses.

One of the most popular gathering spots for grizzlies is along salmon-spawning rivers during the summer months in Alaska. The above video comes from an observation point in Alaska’s Katmai National Park & Preserve near the lower section of Brooks River and Naknek Lake. As seen in the video, this area is a hot spot for bear-watching as mothers and their young come here to eat, run, and play before fall sets in.

Grizzly bears use vocalizations and body language to communicate as they negotiate their social hierarchies. For example, if a grizzly feels tense, it may emit a “huffing” sound, whereas if it’s alarmed by something, it produces a “woofing” sound. When a grizzly is angry or aggressive, it will growl or even roar — a sound that you can hear over a mile away!

How Fast Can an Alaskan Grizzly Bear Run?

Grizzly bears are massive animals — Alaska’s coastal grizzlies can weigh up to 860 pounds. It’s hard to imagine a bear moving terribly fast with all that mass, but not even Usain Bolt could outrun an Alaskan grizzly bear!

The grizzly bears featured in the video above are mostly playing and chasing one another, so they aren’t running all that fast. However, as the fastest species of bear on Earth, a grizzly bear can run as fast as 35 mph! They have very powerful muscles in their distinctive shoulder humps, allowing their shorter front legs to support their massive weight. In addition, grizzlies also have excellent traction on soft terrain due to their long sturdy claws.