the asiatic softshell turtle or black-rayed softshell turtle ( amyda cartilaginea ) is a species of softshell turtle in the trionychidae family .

it is not the only softshell turtle in asia ( most trionychines are asian ) .

asiatic softshell turtle

a staff member from the cuc phuong turtle conservation center measures a vulnerable southeast asiatic softshell turtle ( amyda cartilaginea ) .
joel sartore photographs a vulnerable southeast asiatic softshell turtle ( amyda cartilaginea ) at the cuc phuong turtle conservation center in vietnam .
shown are the cuc phuong turtle conservation center staff members searching for a vulnerable southeast asiatic softshell turtle ( amyda cartilaginea ) .
a staff member from the cuc phuong turtle conservation center measures a vulnerable southeast asiatic softshell ( amyda cartilaginea ) .
a staff member from the cuc phuong turtle conservation center weighs a vulnerable southeast asiatic softshell ( amyda cartilaginea ) .
the smooth softshell turtle ( apalone mutica ) is a softshell turtle of the family trionychidae . it is endemic to north america .
save softshell turtles needs your help with “ everyone : save softshell turtles - say no to turtle soup ” . join save softshell and 14 supporters today .
) . the species is also referred to as the asiatic soft - shelled turtle . there is a subspecies
a vulnerable southeast asian softshell turtle ( amyda cartilaginea ) from the cuc phuong turtle conservation center , vietnam .
zool . florida softshell turtle [ apalone ferox , syn . : trionyx ferox ]
zool . ganges softshell turtle [ nilssonia gangetica , syn . : aspideretes gangeticus ]
leith ' s softshell turtle is a representative member of the asian softshell turtle family ( trionychidae ) and is one of 8 asian softshell turtle species that have been proposed for listing in appendix ii . two additional asian softshell species , chitra chitra and chitra vandijki , have been proposed for transfer from appendix ii to appendix i .
zool . wattle - necked softshell turtle [ palea steindachneri , syn . : trionyx steindachneri ]
shown are the cuc phuong turtle conservation center staff members searching for a vulnerable southeast asian softshell turtle ( amyda cartilaginea ) .
asiatic soft - shelled turtles are consumed as food and used as pets on a smaller scale .
zool . black softshell turtle [ nilssonia nigricans , syn . : aspideretes nigricans , trionyx nigricans ]
zool . leith ' s softshell ( turtle ) [ nilssonia leithii , syn . : aspideretes leithii ]
an asian giant softshell turtle ( pelochelys cantorii ) caught by a fisherman in lao pdr’s attapeu province .
this is an important cause because asiatic and chinese softshell turtles are almost endangered , and we can help prevent their endangerment by stopping turtle soup farming and preventing turtle soup from being sold , made and eaten . softshell turtles shouldn ' t be swimming around in soup bowls , they should be swimming around in lakes !
the asiatic soft - shelled turtle has a highly evolved snout that it uses for hunting , sensing predators , and breathing while buried in mud .
the asiatic soft - shelled turtle is listed under appendix ii of cites , which requires that international exporters have a permit from their national government .
a yangtze giant softshell turtle—one of the last four known—gets a checkup in hanoi , vietnam , in 2011 .
koch , a . et al . 2008 . on the occurrence of the asiatic softshell turtle , amyda cartilaginea ( boddaert , 1770 ) , on sulawesi , indonesia . hamadryad 33 : 121 – 127 - get paper here
zool . indian peacock softshell ( turtle ) [ nilssonia hurum , syn . : aspideretes hurum , trionyx hurum ]
jensen , k . , i . das . 2008 . dietary observations on the asian softshell turtle from sarawak , malaysia .
kabir , m . tarik , m . farid ahsan , bipul krishna das and ayesha khatoon . 2015 . range extension of the asiatic softshell turtle , amyda cartilaginea ( boddaert , 1770 ) in bangladesh . hamadryad 37 ( 1 - 2 ) : 111 - 113
check out our fact sheet to learn how cites can help protect asian softshell turtles .
leith ' s softshell turtle is not listed in cites . proposed for appendix ii listing by the united states and china at cop16 .
breeding interval asiatic soft - shelled turtles breed 3 - 4 times a year , the peak of breeding is in the middle of the summer .
the asiatic soft - shelled turtle is currently listed as “vulnerable” under the iucn red list . one of the main reasons for the declining population seems to be commercial harvest for sale as food .
entom . european turtle - bug / turtle bug [ podops inunctus , syn . : podops inuncta ]
feed your turtle wild gold or wild fish pellets . you can also feed flakes to your turtle .
there are three well - established species of soft - shelled turtle native to north america . they are the spiny softshell ( apalone spinifera ) , which is divided into seven subspecies ; the smooth softshell ( a . mutica ) , which is divided into two subspecies ; and the florida softshell ( a . ferox ) , with no recognized subspecies .
, asiatic soft - shelled turtles are freshwater species . asiatic soft - shelled turtle is found in depths from 1 meter ( near the shore ) to 12 meters ( e . g . , approaching waterfalls ) . hunters and fisherman within the malaysian area have trapped these turtles in lakes , slow - moving rivers , and fast - flowing rivers that end in waterfalls .
asiatic soft - shelled turtles influence the environment through their roles as predators , prey , and sometimes scavengers . the turtle’s diet is typically carnivorous , but within the turtles fecal matter algae and berries have been found .
similar species : chinese softshell turtle is much smaller , with an extremely long neck , and only has one bump on the front edge of the shell .
bartholomew , p . 2002 .
spiny softshell turtle
( on - line ) . animal diversity web . accessed april 15 , 2011 at urltoken .
the average adult softshell may need a tank up to 200 gallons or more , so plan accordingly .
not much seems to be known about the territorial behavior of the asiatic soft - shelled turtle , but as confirmed by harless and morlock ( 1979 ) , soft - shelled turtles rarely move outside their own areas of comfort .
although smooth softshell turtles may prey upon game fish , their impact on fish populations is believed to be insignificant . there are no known adverse effects of smooth softshell turtles on humans , although they may bite when handled .
smooth softshell turtles primarily interact through visual and tactile cues . when seeking out mates , males physically investigate females . although little information was found regarding perception and communication by this species , a close relative , spiny softshell turtles (
this petition has been created by save softshell t . and may not represent the views of the avaaz community .
auliya , m . 2000 . a colour pattern of the softshell turtle amyda cartilaginea observed in west kalimantan ( indonesian borneo ) . hamadryad 25 ( 2 ) : 210 - 214
the chinese softshell turtle ( pelodiscus sinensis ) is one of several softshell species commonly kept in captivity , and is a very perculiar exotic animal . with their streamlined , flexible shell , fleshy lips and snorkel - like nose , they are a truly bizarre creature to see pottering around an aquarium .
das , biswajit , abhijit das and atul kumar gupta . 2016 . geographic distribution : amyda cartilaginea ( asian softshell turtle ) . herpetological review 47 ( 1 ) : 78 - 79
in june , researchers collected eggs from the last mating pair of the critically endangered yangtze giant softshell turtle ( rafetus swinhoei ) in the hopes that at least one will be fertile .
leith ' s softshell turtles inhabit rivers and creeks with muddy bottoms , turbid waterways , swamps , canals and artificial ponds .
webb , robert g . ( 2002 )
observations on the giant softshell turtle , pelochelys cantorii , with description of a new species .
hamadryad . 27 ( 1 ) : 99–107 .
how often you feed your turtle depends on your turtle ' s breed , size , and age . ask your veterinarian for advice on how often to feed your turtle . here’s a list of the different types of food that you can feed your soft shelled turtle :
expose your turtle to enough daily sunlight . even if you have uv lights for your turtle , you should give your turtle between 2 and 4 hours of direct sunlight every day . place your turtle’s tank near a window that gets about this much sunlight . [ 19 ]
conservation status and threats : the asian softshell turtle is often caught for food and for traditional chinese medicine . it is listed as “vulnerable” by the iucn red list and is on cites appendix ii .
the smooth softshell turtle is usually brown or olive - colored , often with darker dots or dashes . it is the only softshell without ridges in the nostrils . females are 18 - 35 . 6 cm ( 7 - 14 inches ) ; males , 12 . 5 - 17 . 8 cm ( 5 - 7 inches ) .
kuchling , gerald 1995 . turtles at a market in western yunnan : possible range extensions for some southern asiatic chelonians in china and myanmar . chelonian conserv . biol . 1 ( 3 ) : 223 - 226
hoan kiem turtle was seen climbing on the grass of the turtle tower on the 16th of january , 2015 . photo by ha dinh duc
smooth softshell turtles are aquatic predators and fall prey to a variety of organisms . eggs of this speices are parasitized by fly larvae (
as a juvenile and adolescent turtle , the carapace is complexly patterned , but the older turtle shells become quite drab . the juvenile’s once - greenish brown carapace with yellow and black spots becomes solely olive - colored . the rough adolescent carapace smooths out as the turtle ages . asiatic soft - shelled turtles have many distinguishable traits from other soft - shells . these include an extremely long snout , and several permanent tubercles on its neck .
smooth softshell turtles are wary and abandon their basking place if danger is perceived . they are highly agile , both in water and on land , which permits quick escape from predators . they also use their strong diving ability to flee predators and conceal themselves in mud . when caught by predators , a smooth softshell turtle pulls itself into its shell .
asiatic soft - shelled turtles exhibit clear seasonal patterns of activity . in the dry season , they are likely to burrow into patches of soft mud and aestivate , while activity and movement increased exponentially during the wet season .
other available data relates to the trade in turtle shells , not turtle meat ( for example , taiwan p . c . imported an average of 29 tonnes of soft shell turtle shells annually between 1999 and 2008 ) .
is a dietary generalist , it can be classified as an insectivore . arthropods typically consumed by smooth softshell turtles are aquatic and larval forms of
plummer , m . , h . shirer . 1975 . movement patterns in a river population of the softshell turtle trionyx muticus . university of kansas museum of natural history occasional papers , 43 : 1 - 26 .
on the 16th of january 2015 , the hoan kiem turtle ( rafetus swinhoei ) was seen climbing on the grass of the turtle tower for basking for about 7 minutes . this was the sixth time the legendary turtle seen surfacing since the beginning of january . quite a few people have shown concern about the turtle’s health due to the frequent appearance of the turtle . however , according to prof . ha dinh duc , a senior expert of the hoan kiem turtle , the recent emergences of the turtle were thanks to the warmer and sunnier weather . atp note : the turtle often surface without being reported , on the 17th of january during a visit by dr peter pritchard the turtle was again seen on the turtle island but without attracting much attention .
barko , v . , j . briggler . 2006 . midland smooth softshell ( apalone mutica ) and spiny softshell ( apalone spinifera ) turtles in the middle mississippi river : habitat associations , population structure , and implications for conservation . chelonian conservation and biology , 5 : 225 - 231 .
if size or aggression present potential problems for you , a soft - shelled turtle is definitely not your best choice for a pet turtle . choose another !
fritz , u . , r . gemel , c . kehlmaier , m . vamberger , p . praschag . 2014 . phylogeography of the asian softshell turtle amyda cartilaginea ( boddaert , 1770 ) : evidence for a species complex .
smooth softshell turtles are native to temperate areas of north america , ranging throughout the central and south - central united states . their range extends from pennsylvania to new mexico and south to the florida panhandle . this species is thought to have been extirpated from pennsylvania . smooth softshell turtles are believed to have occurred in north america since the cretaceous period , although this is not yet supported by fossil evidence . smooth softshell turtles have also been introduced to france .
theobald , w . 1875 . observations on some indian and burmese species of trionyx , with a rectification of their synonymy and a description of two new species . proc . asiatic soc . bengal 1875 : 170 - 180 . - get paper here
18th january 2011 , locals claimed two large turtles seen emerging at the edge of the lake at the same time , 21 : 20hrs . this seems unlikely as only one rafetus swinhoei is believed to live in the lake and photographs taken in recent years all seem to be the same distinctive animal . in 2010 a large asiatic softshell turtle ( amyda cartilaginea ) was seen in the lake shortly before it died . this animal found in southern vietnam must have been released into the lake .
the resurrection of this iconic species in the wild , the largest freshwater turtle in the world , would be a symbol of hope ,
said gerald kuchling , founder of the australia - based group turtle conservancy and a turtle - reproduction expert .
leith’s softshell turtle is a large species , which may reach 60cm ( almost 2 ft ) and weigh 30kg ( 66 lbs ) . it has a grey to olive green carapace ( top shell ) covered in a leathery skin ( like all softshell turtles ) . the species has a medium - sized head with a pointed snout and the skin on the neck and head has distinctive lines and spots .
asiatic soft - shelled turtles are facultatively aquatic turtles . they have adaptations for fast - swimming and for hiding in sediment . with the loss of the prenureal bone and dermal bones , which run along the vertebrae in the front of the carapace , it’s easy for the turtle to bury itself in the silty sediment . the turtle will dive head first into the substrate and use its limbs to kick up sediment . the sediment falls back down onto the turtle covering it almost completely , except for its snout .
watermolen , d . 2004 . softshell turtles ( g . apalone ) as bald eagle prey . bulletin of chicago herpetological society , 39 : 69 - 70 .
mccord , william p . and joseph - ouni , mehdi . ( 2003 )
flapshell and giant asian softshell turtles .
reptilia . 26 : 59–64 .
a symbol of hanoi to many vietnamese hoan kiem lake and its turtle island in hanoi ' s central old quarter is also home to a giant swinhoe ' s softshell turtle ( rafetus swinhoei ) . one of only four of its species known in existence the animal in hanoi also related to a 15th century legend in which a magical sword used to defeat an invading chinese army was returned to the turtle by king le loi . every since sightings of the giant turtle have signified important events for vietnam .
my indian flap - shell turtle is not eating anything . what can i do ?
the activity around the lake clear shows the cultural importance of the turtle in vietnam .
auliya , m . , van dijk , p . p . , moll , e . o . , and meylan , p . a . 2016 . amyda cartilaginea ( boddaert 1770 ) – asiatic softshell turtle , southeast asian softshell turtle . in : rhodin , a . g . j . , pritchard , p . c . h . , van dijk , p . p . , saumure , r . a . , buhlmann , k . a . , iverson , j . b . , and mittermeier , r . a . ( eds . ) . conservation biology o chelonian research monographs 5 ( 9 ) : 092 . 1–17 , doi : 10 . 3854 / crm . 5 . 092 . cartilaginea . v1 . 2016 - get paper here
upon copulation , asiatic soft - shelled turtles build nests to incubate their eggs . these nests are usually within 90 meters of the body of water where copulation occurred . nests are dug into soft sand , similar to where they burrow . the building of a nest is said to be completely solitary , and without the aid of the male turtle .
choo , b . l . & chou , l . m . 1984 . effect of a sand substrate on the growth and survival of hatchlings of the softshell turtle , trionyx sinensis wiegmann . aquaculture , 40 ( 4 ) : 325 - 333 .
it depends on what particular kind of turtle you have , but most soft shelled turtle hatchlings will eat live bait , such as fish , shrimp , worms , and snails .
akani , g . c . , capizzi , d . & luisselli , l . ( 2001 ) . diet of the softshell turtle , trionyx triunguis , in an afrotropical forested region . chelonian conserv . & biol . 4 ( 1 ) : 200–201 .
unlike many other species of turtles , smooth softshell turtles do not form growth annuli on their shells , which makes them very difficult to age in the field . the lifespan of this species is unrecorded . individuals in captivity have lived over 11 years , and they are believed to be capable of living 20 years . florida softshell turtles (
asiatic soft - shelled turtles show some parental investment prior to the laying of their eggs . the females build a protective nest that incubates their young , and rotate the eggs within the nest . once the turtle has built a safe hatching environment for her offspring , the mother leaves the hatchlings . similar to feeding , the building of the nest takes place nocturnally .
hoan kiem lakes historic turtle island becomes the site of feverish activity as local authorities prepare the island to treat the lakes most famous resident , the hoan kiem turtle . photo vnexpress 4mar11
their call was answered : a photograph of a turtle at the changsha zoo looked promising . kuchling , along with lu shunqing , china director for the wildlife conservation society , traveled to changsha , where they confirmed it was a yangtze giant softshell—and a female to boot .
fritz , uwe ; richard gemel , christian kehlmaier , melita vamberger , peter praschag 2014 . phylogeography of the asian softshell turtle amyda cartilaginea ( boddaert , 1770 ) : evidence for a species complex . vertebrate zoology 64 ( 2 ) : 229 - 243 - get paper here
begin by feeding your turtle exclusively live bait . you can , however , give him some catfish food or commercial reptile food after he is accustomed to his surroundings . you should sprinkle calcium supplement on all of the food you give your turtle . you should also give your turtle a multivitamin if he does not have a specially curated turtle - specific diet or eat live fish .
on the 12th january 2015 , the hoan kiem turtle ( rafetus swinhoei ) was seen surfacing for nearly 4 hours between 10 : 10 and 13 : 50 near the turtle tower in the middle of the lake . according to prof . ha dinh duc , a senior expert of the hoan kiem turtle , the re - emergence of the turtle this time might be due to the warm and sunny weather . this was the fourth time the legendary turtle emerged to the surface since the beginning of january . the turtle was seen surfacing on the 1st , 2nd and 3rd of january 2015 .
chinese softshells grow large , and are more aquatic than many other freshwater turtle species , so require a large swimming space . a large amount of water is also necessary to dilute the waste which the turtles produce . the recommended amount of water for a softshell is 10 us gallons ( 40 litres ) of water for ever inch of turtle , so ponds may be required for larger specimens
3rd april 2011 , hard work pays off as the hoan kiem turtle is successfully captured . at 17 : 00hrs the hoan kiem turtle is finally captured and moved to the specially built turtle hospital . large crowds estimated at 3 , 000 watch as the turtle is netted and transferred to a temporary floating cage used to move it to the island where it was winched into it holding and treatment tank .
around 11 : 00hrs on the 30th of december the hoan kiem lake turtle ( rafetus swinhoei ) in its central hanoi lake home was seen emerging and basking near the turtle tower island in the lake . an excited crowd gather with many people’s believing the appearance of the turtle to be a positive signal for a good new year . after 30 minutes of sunbathing , the turtle returned to the water . this is the third times , the turtle emerged from the water since the beginning of december 2014 .
the asiatic soft - shelled turtle is known for its carnivorous diet and nocturnal hunting patterns . it occasionally feeds on plant material , but animals are its primary food . its diet consists of fish , amphibians , insects , and some crustaceans . the turtles are predators that ambush their prey . with its ability to breath in a gill - like fashion through pharyngeal breathing , it can stay submerged for hours in silt , snatching small fish or amphibians . the turtle’s long snout is used for sensing its prey .
the crossbow was not to be used to anaesthetise the turtle as some had speculated . photo vietnamnet 6mar11
. the turtle has a broad head and small eyes close to the tip of its snout . the
munthit ,
rare turtle ' s new chance ,
associated press , may 16 , 2007 .
assisting in the collection of more reliable data on turtle and tortoise trade and its impact on populations .
the yellow - margined box turtle is able to bring the plastron to the edges of the carapace when it withdraws its head . the turtle is effectively ' boxed in ' , protecting it from predators .
tashavak , e & atatür , m . k . ( 1998 ) . distribution and habitats of the euphrates softshell turtle , rafetus euphraticus , in southeastern anatolia , turkey , with observations on biology and factors endangering its survival . chelonian conserv . & biol . 3 ( 1 ) : 20–30 .
two months ago the world’s conservationists crossed their collective fingers and waited to find out if a 100 - year - old female yangtze giant softshell turtle ( rafetus swinhoei ) , the last of her gender , would - after artificial insemination - finally lay fertile eggs and save her species from extinction .
smooth softshell turtles are typically found along major riverine systems such as the ohio , missouri , and mississippi rivers . they prefer large rivers and streams with medium to fast currents . within river systems , smooth softshell turtles had highest populations in the open side channels and main channels of the mississippi and ohio rivers in southern illinois . despite their preference for riverine systems , smooth softshell turtles have also been found in lakes , bogs , ponds , and drainage ditches . they generally prefer areas of sandy or mucky bottoms with little aquatic vegetation , and they avoid aquatic systems with a rocky substrate .
handle your soft shelled turtle carefully . they can bite and typically do not like being handled by humans .
rare soft shell turtle , nesting ground found in cambodia ,
sciencedaily , may 19 , 2007 .
2009 .
smooth softshell ( apalone mutica )
( on - line ) . wisconsin department of natural resources . accessed april 15 , 2011 at urltoken ; = 49 & speccode ; = araag01020 .
find a large tank . allow 5 to 10 gallons of tank for every inch of carapace ( shell ) length of your turtle . however , no tank is too large for a soft shelled turtle . they are active swimmers . keep in mind how large your turtle could grow in the future . look up the particular breed of soft shelled turtle you have or plan on getting and see how large it could potentially get . buy a tank that will accommodate your turtle even in his later years . [ 2 ] many experienced turtle owners suggest getting at least a 20 gallon tank for babies and a 40 gallon tank for adults . [ 3 ]
although smooth softshell turtles are listed as a speices of least concern by the iucn , little data is available to make a confident assessment . currently , this species is widespread and locally common , suitable habitat is present , and harvest rates do not contribute to decline . smooth softshell turtles are listed as a species of special concern in the state of minnesota . their slow maturation rate increases time necessary to restore populations .
chinese softshells are territorial creatures , and need to be kept alone . a single bite from an aggressive tankmate can easily puncture an internal organ in a softshell , and it is simply not worth the risk .
smooth softshell turtles have a tubular snout with round nostrils that are usually positioned inferior , and they lack a septal ridge . male smooth softshell turtles have thicker tails than females , a trait commonly observed in turtle species . in males , the anal vent is located near the tip of the tail , while in females , the anal vent is usually located near the edge of or under the carapace . as with other species of turtles , female smooth softshells have longer hind claws than males , which have longer foreclaws than females .
i found a soft shell turtle at my house in the morning . can i keep it as a pet ?
the hoan kiem turtle surface daily amid continued worries over its health . photo tien phong news , tuan nguyen mar11
spotting the hoan kiem turtle in the distance before the ceremony the team hope will bring good luck . photo 6mar11
water filtration tanks are installed to allow the turtle to remain in clean lake water during treatment . photo vnexpress 4mar11
munthit , ker .
rare turtle ' s new chance .
associated press . may 16 , 2007 .
decide which animals will live in your tank . because soft shelled turtles can be aggressive , you should not put them in tanks with other turtles or animals . sometimes they can live in pairs , but only with enough space and minimal bullying . it is probably best to have just one softshell turtle living in the tank .
efforts to conserve smooth softshell turtle should include the protection of waterways and surrounding terrestrial land that are known to support large populations of this species . upstream sites should also be protected . protected areas ideally should include basking and nesting habitats with high densities of prey , hibernation areas , and be of ample size to support home ranges .
watching soft - shelled turtles feed can be a fascinating and exciting event . they’re highly animated feeders , and nearly any edible material plunked into the tank will be eagerly devoured by a softshell . live or pre - killed fish , insects and worms , as well as commercial fish and turtle pellets , are all appropriate fare for soft - shelled turtles . fish and other live prey items will be hunted , pursued and ambushed , while pellets and other non - living items will be gobbled off the surface of the water with a quick gulp . anything too big for a softshell to swallow whole will be torn to pieces by the turtle’s shearing jaws and piercing claws .
( asian turtle trade working group 2000 , 2000 ; ditmars , 1933 ; fritz , et al . , 2014 )
basking is necessary for your turtle’s health . make sure that his basking space is inviting and easily accessible ! put your basking area on a really gentle incline , so that your turtle has a really easy time climbing up to bask .
i would recommend taking your turtle to the vet or a pet store so they can recommend a product or treatment .
at the island a winch moved the turtle into the temporary holding and treatment tank . photo lao dong news , 3apr11
description : shell is up to 83 cm long . a very large turtle with a broad flat shell . like all softshell turtles , its shell has a soft , leathery appearance . the front edge of the shell has a series of bumps , which help to distinguish it from other softshell turtles in the region . the head and neck are long , and the mouth is narrow and tubular . the head is dark with yellow spots and splotches . shell is olive or brown to black with tan and yellow spots . underside of shell is white or pale grey .
the chinese softshell turtle can reach a carapace length of 1 ft ( 0 . 30 m ) . it has webbed feet for swimming . they are called
softshell
because their carapace lacks horny scutes ( scales ) . the carapace is leathery and pliable , particularly at the sides . the central part of the carapace has a layer of solid bone beneath it , as in other turtles , but this is absent at the outer edges . the light and flexible shell of these turtles allows them to move more easily in open water , or in muddy lake bottoms .
in addition to having the most subspecies , the spiny softshell also has the widest distribution of the native north american species . it shows a preference for rivers , but can also be found in associated lakes , ponds , and marshes with soft bottoms and moderate vegetation . it is distinguished from the smooth softshell by the pointed tubercles , from which it gets its name , along the anterior margin of the carapace , and from the florida softshell by the lack of a dermal ridge around the margin of the carapace . female spiny softshells sometimes grow quite large , up to around 21 inches . males normally reach less than half that size , up to about 81 / 2 inches .
the snout of the turtle is elongated for breathing above the silt in which it buries itself . the evolutionary loss of the prenureal and dermal bones along the neck and spine of the turtle allow for greater flexibility in the neck and spine .
with time , the round shape of a hatchling smooth softshell turtle ' s carapace changes to an oval shape through allometric growth . there is no change , however , in plastron shape as the hatchling grows , making for little change in the straight carapace length / plastron length ( scl / pl ) ratio . once the plastron has reached a minimum length of 60 mm , individuals can be sexed using physical characteristics described above . unlike many other species of turtles , smooth softshell turtles do not form growth annuli on their shells , making them difficult to age in the field .
ensure the correct air temperature . the air in your turtle’s room should be between 75 and 80 degrees fahrenheit . if you live in a warm climate , you could potentially keep your turtle outside , but more likely you want to keep your turtle in a room in your house that you can heat or cool to this temperature all the time . [ 12 ]
) . the two species , however , can be distinguished by examining the carapace . spiny softshells have spines along the front edge of their carapace , and the carapace usually has a sandpaper texture . smooth softshells lack these characteristics . spiny softshells , as with most softshell turtles , also have a septal ridge in the nose . however , smooth softshells lack a septal ridge . distinguishing features of other softshell species include heavily marked limbs and spines on the carapace .
taking on a soft - shelled turtle is a big responsibility . consider some important points before you commit to owning one .
in cambodia found the turtle in abundance along a short 48 - km ( 30 - mi ) stretch of the river .
in 2006 , the u . s . nonprofit turtle survival alliance asked kuchling to establish the sex of the last three captive giant softshell turtles in china , which at the time lived at the shanghai zoo , suzhou zoo , and suzhou ' s west garden buddhist temple . ( related :
6 of nature ' s loneliest animals looking for love .
)
( asian turtle trade working group 2000 , 2000 ; ernst , et al . , 1992 ; jensen and das , 2008b )
( asian turtle trade working group 2000 , 2000 ; jensen and das , 2008c ; nijman , et al . , 2012 )
asian turtle trade working group 2000 . amyda cartilaginea . 2006 iucn red list of threatened species . downloaded on 9 july 2007 .
this version of how to care for a soft shelled turtle was reviewed by pippa elliott , mrcvs on june 13 , 2017 .
7th march 2011 , some discussion was held on whether international veterinary experts should be invited to participate in treatment of the turtle .
smooth softshell turtles have microhabitat preferences within the kansas river in kansas . males were observed more frequently than subadult and adult females in shallow depths along the river . hatchlings also preferred shallow areas along the river , most likely to avoid larger aquatic predators .
nagle , r . , m . plummer , j . congdon , r . fischer . 2003 . parental investment , embryo growth , and hatchling lipid reserves in softshell turtles ( apalone mutica ) from arkansas . herpetologica , 59 : 145 - 154 .
danger to humans : this turtle has a large head that can give a painful bite , but will not do any real damage .
add a layer of river sand to the bottom of your tank . there should be enough sand such that your soft shelled turtle can immerse himself completely . the sand should be free of rocks or any objects that could scratch your turtle’s shell and cause an infection .
live plants are also very important in your tank . they will help oxygenate your water and give your turtle a little more scenery .
the hoan kiem turtle was seen in early september with a fish hook stuck in the front of the carapace . photo from vnexpress 6sep10
housing soft - shelled turtles in a community tank can be a risky proposition for both the softshell and any potential companions . although softshells can normally cohabitate quite peacefully with other softshells as well as other turtle species , there is always the potential for conflict . observation is required when keeping softies with other turtles , and they should be removed from the group at any indication of a problem . if they are able to assert their dominance , a softshell can swiftly become the tank bully and monopolize food and other resources . even if they do not actually physically harm other turtles , softshells are capable of intimidating them to the point where the other turtles will stop feeding . conversely , if another turtle begins nipping at the fleshy margin of the softy’s shell , serious injury can result .
there are no records of the volume of the turtle trade in sarawak and no historical records of population abundance of any non - marine turtle species . however , given the life history and ecology of most turtle species , it is doubtful whether present levels of exploitation are sustainable . congdon et al . ( 1993 ) demonstrated that long - lived organisms such as turtles have life history traits that severely constrain the ability of turtle populations to respond to disturbances such as overexploitation . these traits include delayed sexual maturity and often high and variable nest mortality .
get your turtle’s beak clipped regularly by a veterinary professional . occasionally , soft shelled turtles’ beaks will overgrow . go to your veterinarian to have his beak clipped . ask your veterinarian at what point and how often your particular turtle should get his beak clipped . [ 20 ]
are used for traditional medicine and as food . the shells of turtles are usually used as a by - product in restaurants ; they mainly originate from turtle farms . in the chinese medicine , market shells are traded in whole pieces of plastron from hard shell turtles and are unlikely to be the by - product of turtle meat ( usually consumed as turtle soup in asia ) . the number of exporting countries involved has decreased in the trade records . no records of turtle shells were found from south asia , such as bangladesh and pakistan , in 1992–1998 . in 2006–2008 / 2009 , turtle shells were only imported from china , indonesia , and viet nam to taiwan p . c .
6th march 2011 , ceremonies take place at hoan kiem lake to bring good fortune to the capture team and successful treatment of the sacred turtle . flowers and ceremonial swords and cross bows are taken to hoan kiem lake before the capture of the turtle is attempted . some rumours circulated on the web that the cross bow would be used to administer a tranquilliser for the turtle but this was quickly dispelled as fiction .
table 2 : total number of individuals for each turtle species caught during this project . asterisk refers to the numbers in parenthesis as unsexed individuals
buhlmann , k . , rhodin , a . & van dijk , p . p . ( tortoise & freshwater turtle red list authority )
plummer , m . 1976 . some aspects of nesting success in the turtle , trionyx muticus . herpetologica , 32 : 353 - 359 .
you can have many successful types of basking areas . you can buy specific basking ramps or platforms at an aquarium store . these would be a safe choice for your turtle . you could also purchase a rock or a log to put in your aquarium , once your turtle is more acclimated to the tank . just make sure that the surface is smooth and will not scratch your turtle as he climbs onto it .
look online for common health problems in your specific breed of turtle . different types of soft shelled turtles can develop some different health issues .
2nd april 2011 , capture team practice capturing turtles in preparation for a second go at bagging the hoan kiem turtle . the team responsible for capturing the hoan kiem turtle train hard in the technique of using the new fishing net to catch large turtles to avoid a second escape .
a second apparent hook seen in the ancient animal , reasons for targeting the sacred turtle remain unknown . photo dan tri web site , 17sep10
mydans ,
how to survive in cambodia : for a turtle , beneath sand ,
new york times , may 18 , 2007 .
the most critically endangered tortoise and turtle species can become the most sought after - their rarity making them particularly valuable to the pet trade .
mccord , william p . and peter c . h . pritchard 2003 . a review of the softshell turtles of the genus chitra , with the description of new taxa from myanmar and indonesia ( java ) . hamadryad 27 ( 1 ) : 11 - 56 [ 2002 ]
asiatic soft - shelled turtles exhibit temperature - dependent sex determination . temperature affects the beginning of sperm development and the female ovulatory cycle ( only allowing these to occur when the climate is warm enough ) , and the sex of the offspring . males are generally born when incubating in a nest around 25 degrees celsius , while females are typically born around the 30 degree celsius mark . the average egg diameter at hatching is 21 - 33 mm .
plummer , m . 1977 . activity , habitat , and population structure in the turtle , trionyx muticus . copeia , 3 : 431 - 440 .
as the turtle was moved in a temporary holding cage the team on the lake could be heard singing in celebration . photo lao dong news , 3apr11
cu rua
, grandfather turtle from hoan kiem looks to be showing his age and poor health . photo from tuoi tre online by tien thanh
12th february 2011 , further signs of stress , on the 12th of february the turtle was observed near the ngoc son temple island biting piping leading from the lake bank through the shallow lake to the temple . such behaviour has not been seen in the hoan kiem turtle before and caused additional concern .
largest fresh water turtle . shell low and depressed , oval . carapace olive or brown , spotted or streaked with lighter or darker shades .
mydans , seth .
how to survive in cambodia : for a turtle , beneath sand .
new york times . may 18 , 2007 .
not much is known about the communication methods of the turtle . however , there are several morphological features that give clues to the way this animal communicates .
a team leaves on the boat for a ceremony on hoan kiem lake to present a sword , crossbow and flowers to the sacred turtle . photo vietnamnet 6mar11
( asian turtle trade working group 2000 , 2000 ; ernst , et al . , 1992 ; jackson , 2011 ; nijman , et al . , 2012 )
tortoise & freshwater turtle specialist group ( 1996 ) . apalone mutica . in : iucn 2013 . iucn red list of threatened species . version 2013 . 2 .
22nd march 2011 , the hoan kiem turtle is being seen observed immerging daily , often for long periods of time as people continue to worry about its health .
the turtle is found primarily in inland , slow - moving , freshwater rivers and streams . some evidence indicates its range extends to coastal areas , as well .
turtle taxonomy working group [ van dijk , p . p . , j . iverson , a . rhodin , h . shaffer , and r . bour ]
lehr , e . & holloway , r . 2003 . turtle trade in cambodia . reptilia ( gb ) ( 30 ) : 64 - 71 - get paper here
the turtle is described as making a good recovery . while in treatment ultra sound and chemical sterilization techniques have also been proposed as solutions for urgently cleaning the lake .
although the soft shell turtle is a protected species , turtles that are reared in farms can be traded . soft shell turtle farming provides a means of poverty alleviation in developing asian countries . however , in order to encourage this , selective breeding programmes are required to improve disease resistance and improved methods of farming need to be developed .
as is the case with many near - extinct species , by the time scientists realized the extent of the turtle ' s decline , the species was almost gone .
di min , a zoologist at the suzhou zoo , said when the program started there was talk about assisted reproductive techniques , a kind of
turtle ivf .
the reproduction of asiatic soft - shelled turtles takes place between late spring and early winter . the reproduction is heavily influenced by temperature , so the mating is primarily occurring in the peak of the spring around may . the actual mechanism to mating is assumed to be influenced through tactile behavior and male aggression . the tactile aspect involves typical soft - shell courtship with touching of the female head and carapace with the elongated claws of the male . there is also aggressive courtship by males if tactile courtship fails .
place both natural and manmade structures into the tank , leading up to the surface of and out of the water . your turtle should have easy access to an area where he can lie completely out of the water and under a heat lamp . place the basking area accordingly , so that there is enough room for your turtle to lie completely out of the water . make sure that your surfaces are not sharp and that they make it very easy for your turtle to get out of the water .
some local experts also claimed that the giant softshell in hoan kiem lake is a member of a new species of which it is the last remaining member . while doug hendrie of education for nature vietnam ( env ) also pointed out that at such an age the outcome of any intervention could not be guaranteed and conservation of the species should also focus on habitat protection and breeding attempts with the last remaining known individuals , of which there are only three not including the hoan kiem turtle .
if your turtle is shy , you might have trouble determining if he eats or not . look for the disappearance of food and the appearance of feces . [ 22 ]
in the holding tank the true size of the turtle can be seen . fortunately the animal did not appear to stressed from it ordeal . photo lao dong news , 3apr11
like any turtle , softshells are clumsy from time to time , and when rough or sharp tank decorations are available they can quite easily injure themselves , where a hard - shelled turtle wouldn ' t even have a scratch . this makes the species particularly vulnerable to funal infections and requires all tank decoration to be checked over for sharp corners before use .
scar tissue on the neck of the hoan kiem turtle is believed to be an old healed injury cause during lake construction activities in the 1990 ' s . photo vnexpress online 31dec10
das , i . 2008 . pelochelys cantorii gray 1864 – asian giant softshell turtle . in : rhodin , a . g . j . , pritchard , p . c . h . , van dijk , p . p . , saumure , r . a . , buhlmann , k . a . , and iverson , j . b . ( eds . ) . conservation biology of freshwater turtles and tortoises : a compilation project of the iucn / ssc tortoise and freshwater turtle specialist group . chelonian research monographs no . 5 , pp . 011 . 1 - 011 . 6 , doi : 10 . 3854 / crm . 5 . 011 . cantorii . v1 . 2008 , urltoken
avoid keeping live fish with softshells . they are capable of hunting fish from an early age , and are able to prey on fish larger than themselves . if you do try to keep fish with them , they are likely to become food for the softshell , and this also carries the risk of parasite transmission , and thiaminase poisoning .
31st december 2010 , some new injuries observed on the hoan kiem turtle , journalists believe the sacred turtle has news injuries on its neck as well as the visible lesion on in carapace . the neck injury is actually an old healed injury apparently caused by a steel reinforcing bar in the lake during construction of concrete banking surrounding the lake almost a decade ago .
( asian turtle trade working group 2000 , 2000 ; ernst , et al . , 1992 ; harless and morlock , 1979 ; jensen and das , 2008a ; kuchling , 2009 )
jensen , k . , i . das . 2008 . observations on the influence of seasonality , lunar cycles , and weather condition on freshwater turtle activity in sarawak , east malaysia .
van dijk , p . p . 1992 . variation in the southeast asian soft - shelled turtle , amyda cartilaginea . master ' s of science thesis , national university of ireland .
parts ( a - e ) marine turtle nesting sites ( green line ) based on known locations for five species : hawksbill , green , leatherback , olive ridley , and loggerhead .
19th april 2011 , two weeks after it capture the hoan kiem turtle is responding well too treatment . the animal has been moved to a larger 200m3 holding tank constructed on the turtle island in the middle of the sacred hoan kiem lake . eating well some of the visible injuries such as the open lesions at the front of the carapace are reportedly visibly healing .
is the most common turtle species that has been raised in china and southeast asia ( e . g . thailand , japan and taiwan p . c . ) ; more than a thousand turtle farms exist in southern china alone . this species is favoured for commercial production because of its high reproductive potential , widespread consumer acceptance and the available experience in farming it .
the roti island snake - necked turtle was so intensively collected for the pet trade , it went from first being described to near - threatened in the space of just 5 years .
to conserve and protect asian softshell turtles , it is necessary to take a broad family approach , rather than a species - by - species approach . this rationale is founded on observations that , over the last 12 years , turtles , especially in the asian region , continue to be under severe threat from over - exploitation driven by international trade .


the alaska peninsula brown bear is any member of the grizzly bear ( ursus arctos horribilis ) that lives in the coastal regions of southern alaska .

alaska peninsula brown bears are a very large brown bear subspecies , usually ranging in weight from 800 to 1,200 pounds ( 363 to 544 kg ) .

they are found in high densities along the southern alaskan coast due not only to the large amount of clams and sedge grass but also to the annual salmon runs ; this allows them to attain huge sizes , some of the biggest in the world .

they may gather in large numbers at feeding sites , such as brooks falls and mcneil falls , both in katmai national park near king salmon .

there is debate as to if alaska peninsula brown bears should be referred to as " grizzlies " along with all other north american subspecies of the brown bear .

there is confusion experienced when referring to inland and coastal ones separately , but biologists still maintain that coastal ones are truly brown bears .

however , it is considered correct to place all north american members of u. arctos in the subspecies horribilis except the giant kodiak bears of kodiak island .

to avoid confusion , many simply refer to all north american members , including kodiaks , as " grizzly bears . "

prized by hunters for their skulls and hides , up to 500 of alaska 's 1,500 brown bears killed yearly by hunters come from the alaska peninsula .

to hunt this large bear , hunters must follow a variety of regulations , including bear bag limits , hunting fees , and proper rifles .

alaska peninsula brown bear

r & r’s alaska peninsula guide service offers hunts in game management unit 9 on exclusive native land and public state land for some of the largest brown bear harvested in alaska . located between port moller and cold bay on the alaska peninsula , this area has some of the best genetics and largest population for brown bear the state of alaska has to offer .
these are a few examples of brown bear research in alaska . there is a growing national and international interest in brown bear management .
there is debate about whether the largest trophy brown bear come from the alaska peninsula , kodiak island or the kamchatka peninsula in russia . there should not be … on the average , the alaska produces the biggest bears by far , year after year after year .
pictured above : jens perto from denmark with a very big alaska peninsula brownie . ( see below ! )
ursus arctos , brown bear , grizzly bear - brown bear viewing in katmai national park , alaska . photography and wildlife tours on the wild coast of katmai national park
range : alaska peninsula and unimak island in the aleutian islands ; includes the famous populations at mcneil river and katmai .
map of alaska peninsula & unimak island showing us national wildlife refuges ( u . s . fish & wildlife service )
the alaska department of fish and game has designated the alaska peninsula as a trophy bear hunting area for game management purposes . the goal is to produce bears of the largest possible size for sportsmen .
© r & r peninsula guide service , all rights reserved . this alaska website design was produced by mixed media graphics .
on the pacific side of the alaska peninsula are truly unique . litzen guide service has exclusive rights to 75 miles of prime alaska brown bear coastline that produces trophy class brown bear . a 65 foot boat is used as a floating hunting lodge to access the private hunting area and provides world class alaska brown bear . from the boat , beaches and hills are glassed for brown bear , while slowly cruising down the shorelines . upon spotting a brown bear , the hunter and guide take to the shore by skiff to make the stalk .
r & r’s alaska peninsula guide service specializes in trophy big game hunts for brown bear on the alaska peninsula and unimak island national wildlife refuge . the alaska peninsula and unimak island is a land of towering mountains , active volcanoes , broad valleys , tundra and a vast array of rivers and lakes . it is this area that produces some of the largest brown bear in alaska and where we conduct our hunts . for the past fourteen years r & r’s hunters have harvested many bears that qualify for the boone and crockett and sci record books from these areas .
( the kodiak bear ) . ( map courtesy of state of alaska – subspecies data : bear conservation )
before we go any farther , it’s important to know that in alaska you can shoot only one brown bear every four years in most areas here in alaska . if you have shot a bear recently , we have a chart that will tell you in what year you will again be eligible to hunt brown bear on the peninsula .
the alaska peninsula is home to one of the largest salmon runs in the world . this is the major reason we grow the biggest brown bear found anywhere in the world . this is a trophy brown bear habitat , and is strictly regulated by the alaska department of fish and game . our brown bear hunts takes place on the alaska peninsula in may , which is our spring hunts and october when our fall hunts occur . spring hunts are on even numbered years and fall on odd numbered years .
range : the brown bear of mainland alaska , excluding the northwest panhandle , kenai peninsula and the extreme southeast . most abundant along the southern coastal region where they have access to abundant spawning salmon .
we also stumble across a few coastal brown bears roaming the beaches of the alaska peninsula . the last photo shows a bald eagle on a branch as a bear walks by in this beautiful natural setting .
biologists have been able to reliably estimate the kenai peninsula population and determine the population’s level of risk . historically , the harvest of brown bears on the peninsula has exceeded estimates of sustained yield , which has required that the department shorten the hunting seasons on several occasions . the department identified the population as a “population of special concern” back in the 1990s . brown bear immigration / emigration on the peninsula is minimal so increases in population may arise from internal recruitment alone . a recent study helped determine the geographic range of kenai peninsula brown bears , which extends east across the ice fields to prince william sound . biological samples have been taken of brown bear living just north of the peninsula for genetic comparison to kenai peninsula bears .
habitat : the southern side of the alaska peninsula is rugged and mountainous , the northern side is generally flat and marshy . the large lakes and connecting rivers of the peninsula are important to the bears as the spawning sites of salmon .
this is jens ( right ) and i with his alaska peninsula brownie . things look pretty calm , don’t they ? they didn’t start that way .
brown bears occur throughout alaska , except on the islands south of frederick sound in southeastern alaska , the islands west of unimak in the aleutian chain , and the islands of the bering sea . the population on the kenai peninsula is estimated at 250 - 300 bears .
the kenai peninsula recently experienced intensive impacts on its wildlife habitat and populations , including logging , mining and development of human habitation . maintaining a viable kenai peninsula brown bear population requires critical information on bear population parameters , genetic isolation , and the effects of human pressure on the bears’ food and habitat .
in the mid - 1980s , alaska department of fish and game , united states fish and wildlife service , the forest service , and national park service established an interagency brown bear study team ( ibbst ) to monitor and research brown bears on the kenai peninsula in order to assess population and long - term cumulative effects on habitat from continued development . in november 1998 , alaska department of fish and game announced the designation of the kenai brown bear population as an alaska species of special concern .
“interest in brown bear conservation is international in scope and here in alaska we have unique opportunities to develop techniques and findings that can be applied to bear management and conservation in alaska as well as elsewhere in the world , ” said doug larsen .
despite its
large
reputation , the grizzly bear is one of the smallest of the brown bear subspecies .
brown bears are often regarded as one of the more aggressive species of bear .
research project : brown bear tracking ( u . s . national park service )
brown bear sows and cubs are frequently seen at low tide digging for clams .
the town of sand point is the point of outfitting on the alaska peninsula . sand point is served by peninsula airlines out of anchorage . every day except thursday and sunday . reservations can be made through your travel agent . you can make reservations on the penair web site .
the world ' s largest brown bears are found in coastal british columbia and alaska , and on islands such as kodiak .
brown bears have recently been encroaching on polar bear habitats , perhaps due to climate change .
is it a brown bear or a grizzly ? the answer is that all grizzlies are brown bears , but not all brown bears are grizzlies . the grizzly is a north american subspecies of brown bear with the latin name ursus arctos horribilis . the correct scientific name for a grizzly is “brown bear , ” but only coastal bears in alaska and canada are generally referred to as such , while inland and arctic bears and those found in the lower 48 states are called grizzly bears .
bears found in parts of coastal alaska are called kodiak or alaskan brown bears and tend to be the largest of the species . this is from eating salmon rich in fat every summer . the alaskan peninsular brown bear has a much smaller range : just the western tip of the alaskan peninsula . brown bears in interior north america are known as grizzly bears because their brown fur is tipped with white or tan ; the word
grizzly” means
sprinkled or streaked with gray .
kodiak bear research , management and habitat protection is done cooperatively by the alaska department of fish & game and kodiak national wildlife refuge .
as an alaska hunting guide i have learned that you can always count on one thing : don’t count on anything going according to plan… . . like carefully planned shots at dangerous game from ambush . in reality , each hunt is different than the next and each species is always ready to throw in a surprise or two . that was sure the case with this particular alaska peninsula spring brown bear hunt .
one thing is beyond question , the alaska peninsula has been producing the largest hides and largest skull sizes in alaska over the last 20 years , and anyone considers those to be trophy brown bears . bears from our camp have ranged between 8 foot 8 inches and 11 foot 6 inches in size with an overall average of 9 foot 4 inches for many years .
brown bear - ursus arctos - kenai fjords national park ( u . s . national park service )
the question as to whether the alaska peninsula or kodiak island produces larger bears is largely a matter of opinion . both areas have produced so many 10 foot bears through the years that the question is almost pointless . i personally believe that the alaska peninsula has been producing the largest animals on the average over the past fifteen years ( nine to ten foot bears , even some eleven foot monsters ) but many kodiak guides of course will disagree .
biologists obtained information on brown bear habitat requirements to predict the effects of landscape - scale changes on the peninsula’s brown bear population . bears have been radio - collared , blood and tissues samples have been analyzed from collared and sealed bears , snaring techniques have been deployed in areas impossible to get to by air , and scat samples have also been collected on salmon streams . this study helps map bear locations and identify habitat uses , delineate peninsula - wide species range , and identify discrete travel corridors , which in turn helps department staff understand the ecology of the kenai peninsula brown bear population . the determination of population size , trend , and resource requirements has provided managers with information critical to responsible management decisions about hunting season length , bag limits , and calculations of sustained yield .
nps biologists weighing a brown bear during a similar project in gates of the arctic national park and preserve .
i can assure you that russia does not , has not , and never will have bears equivalent in size to those taken in alaska . the russian bear is actually a eurasian brown bear . expecting them to be the size of alaskan brown bear is like expecting a white tail to be the size of an elk , it’s just not going to happen .
ralph miller , one of our head guides , met our bear hunter , jens perto and his photographer , otto , in anchorage after their long flight from denmark across the atlantic and the usa . jens and otto then flew to the northern alaska peninsula where i first met them .
kenai ( more common for females . probably means
flat , barren land
. the name of a peninsula and a town . )
this is the world series of brown bear hunts and our area of the alaskan peninsula is well known for monster bears with several of our clients having taken 10 ' + size boars over the last few years . the peninsula is not easy - in fact it is hard country that will test your abilities and your desire to be a bear hunter . but it is also rewarding and is home to the largest bears in alaska . if you are a no mess around hunter who wants to play in the big leagues then this is your brown bear hunt . in the spring our clients are taken by super cub deep into valleys where brown bears coming out of hibernation travel down to the salt water .
the brown bear’s coloration varies from dull brown , to almost black , to a yellowish white , and all variations of brown and red . the mixture of its fur coloration gives the fur a “grizzled” appearance , hence the name grizzly .
status : brown bears are listed as “of least concern” by the iucn and listed in cites appendix ii . there are around 30 , 000 brown bears in total in alaska ( excluding the subspecies u . a . middendorffi ) . populations in alaska appear healthy and productive . densities vary depending on the quality of the environment
the majestic brown bear is an iconic wildlife in alaska . reaching a weight of 1 , 500 pounds the adult brown bears of the katmai national park and kodiak island are truly impressive . standing nearly 10 feet tall on their hind legs , they command respect in the animal world .
“brown bears are charismatic and of great interest to the world in terms of their ecology and conservation , ” said doug larsen , southeast alaska’s regional supervisor for wildlife . “brown bears are highly valued by both consumptive and nonconsumptive users . ”
the awe - inspiring brown bear lives in the forests and mountains of northern north america , europe , and asia . it is the most widely distributed bear in the world .
an example of a bear collar . for this study , biologists will use brown and tan collars to reduce their visibility .
* note : sport hunters refer to the peninsula grizzly as a kodiak while naturalists list it as a grizzly . . . they are both correct . there are no true subspecies , only various ' races ' of brown bears .
to the unwary human however , looks can be deceiving . the brown bear is no teddy bear in the wild and can become an extremely dangerous animal . in spite of their huge size and weight , brown bears are surprisingly fast , and with their relatively small eyes , it is often difficult to read a bear ' s expression . humans are no match against a brown bear , so it is recommended to keep a safe distance .
conservation status : in 1975 , the endangered species act listed the brown bear as a threatened species in the lower 48 states .
unt takes place in the heart of prime grizzly bear country just outside denali national park , in alaska ' s beautiful interior . low numbers of hunters coupled with a hard working outfitter , produces high success on quality grizzly bear .
accepted scientific name : ursus arctos gyas ( clinton hart merriam , 1902 ) ; however many authorities recognise only two subspecies of brown bear in north america : the grizzly bear ( u . a . horribilis ) and the kodiak bear ( u . a . middendorffi ) . this places the bears of the alaska peninsular in the subspecies u . a . horribilis .
alaska is home to over 98 percent of the united states population of brown bears , and more than 70 percent of the entire north american population . bear hunting is popular in alaska and , with proper management , can occur without causing populations to decline . bear hunting seasons are held in both spring and fall in some areas , but only in fall in other areas . cubs and females with offspring may not be killed .
the water had receded from the flood plains of hallo bay , leaving a fresh new playground for this young brown bear to explore .
the alaska peninsula is wild and remote country with a long history of producing some of the largest bears in the world — and some of the worst weather you have ever hunted in . if you want to hunt the big bears , you just have to hunt them on their turf .
the brown bear ( ursus arctos ) is a large bear distributed across much of northern eurasia and north america . it can weigh from 300 to 780 kilograms ( 660 to 1 , 700 lb ) and its largest subspecies , the kodiak bear , rivals the polar bear as the largest member of the bear family [ 2 ] and as the largest land - based predator . [ 3 ] there are several recognized subspecies within the brown bear species . in north america , two types are generally recognized ; the coastal brown bear and the inland grizzly , and the two types could broadly define all brown bear subspecies . grizzlies weigh as little as 350 lb ( 159 kg ) in yukon , while a brown bear , living on a steady , nutritious diet of spawning salmon , from coastal alaska and russia can weigh 1 , 500 lb ( 682 kg ) . the exact number of overall brown subspecies remains in debate . while the brown bear’s range has shrunk , and it has faced local extinctions , it remains listed as a least concern species by the iucn , with a total population of approximately 200 , 000 . its principal range countries are russia , the united states ( mostly in alaska ) , canada , the carpathian region ( especially romania , but also ukraine , slovakia , and so on ) , the balkans , sweden and finland , where it is the national animal . the brown bear is the most widely distributed of all bears . temporal range : late pleistocene – recent
after jim’s great breakfast the next morning , all four of us headed to the observation ridge for a view of the kill site . the alaska peninsula weather was just incredible , another crystal clear sky , very little wind and temperatures in the 60’s . this is definitely not the norm here .
although remote , the alaska peninsula is still vulnerable to natural and human - caused disturbances . these disturbances could affect the amount of food available for brown bears . large brown bear populations found in the alaska peninsula are due in part to abundant coastal food sources : sedges ( a grass - like plant found in coastal meadows ) , clams , mussels , and salmon . this summer , the national park service will begin a collaborative , multi - year study that will examine the relationship between intertidal resources , coastal brown bear behavior , and human influences . researchers from the national park service , the u . s . geological survey , washington state university , and the alaska sealife center will investigate how vulnerable intertidal food webs are to environmental stressors . as one of the first steps in this larger project , bears in katmai national park and preserve will be outfitted with temporary gps collars . biologists will track their movements between different habitats , and conduct direct observations on these bears to collect data on their foraging behavior . observations will also be supported by the local knowledge of the staff , operators , and guides on the coast . from this dataset , biologists will be able to analyze bear movement patterns to examine the importance of near - shore food resources in the brown bear diet .
the alaska peninsula is home to a large concentration of brown bears . a few trees are visible from a distance but the coastal region directly surrounding hallo bay is mostly flat with low grass . there are mountains just a few miles to the north and west of the bay . kodiak island is about 40 miles to the east . hallo bay is only accessible by plane or boat .
brown bears are brown , right ? well , maybe . they come in all sizes and shades , from a light cream color to almost black . it was once thought that there were 86 different kinds of grizzlies and brown bears in north america alone . today , scientists agree that there is only one species of brown bear with a lot of variations ( or subspecies ) .
this bear hunt takes you to the famous and productive game management unit 9 southwest of anchorage for big brownies . unit 9 has one of the largest populations of brown bear in the world — and many world record bear waiting to be taken . best of all is that we have exclusive bear hunting rights in the very heart of one of the best areas on the peninsula . this means no competition from other hunters . it also allows us to manage the harvest maximizing size & numbers of bears for our clients .
the state of alaska manages the mcneil river state game refuge and the pack creek bear viewing area , both of which are closed to bear hunting and managed for brown bear viewing during a summer season . these two areas attract more than 1 , 500 people each year who watch as many as 150 different brown bears . to insure a manageable numbers of visitors have a safe , quality experience , the wildlife viewers apply for a permit to visit the areas – permits for the pack creek on admiralty island in southeast alaska are generally available , while mcneil river permits are more coveted ( apply early ) .
brown bears can lose up to 40 % of their body weight during hibernation .
status : brown bears are listed as “of least concern” by the iucn and listed in cites appendix ii . there are around 30 , 000 brown bears in total in alaska ( excluding the subspecies u . a . middendorffi ) . stable and large population , hunting seems to be within sustainable limits .
and can be more aggressive than most other bear species . however , each bear is different and usually won ' t attack humans unless it feels threatened . the brown bear once ranged throughout the northern hemisphere . due to humans’ fear , heavy hunting for meat and sport , and medicinal uses , the bear ' s range has shrunk considerably . some cultures believe a bear ' s organs can cure certain illnesses ; for example , the bear ' s gallbladder is still highly prized in asian markets and can fetch a high price . there is no scientific evidence to bear this out .
studies on the north slope help biologists understand brown bear interactions with oilfield activities and the basic ecology of brown bears along the mid - beaufort coast ( the largest oilfield area in the u . s . ) . these are the northernmost mainland brown bears ( called grizzlies locally ) in north america , overlapping the range of polar bears .
in their choice of habitats than any of the other bear species . they may be found in forests , mountain areas , tundra , and even semi - desert areas . their current range includes europe , parts of asia , japan , and western canada as well as the states of alaska , idaho , montana , washington , and wyoming , from sea level to 18 , 000 feet ( 5 , 500 meters ) . this is the largest range of any bear species , yet brown bears once roamed a much larger portion of the us , as well as northern mexico and northern africa . currently , the largest brown bear populations are in russia , alaska , and canada .
i ' m not referring generically to coastal brown bears , but kodiak bears in particular .
polar bears are thought to have evolved from brown bears approximately 150 , 000 years ago .
as part of the charge to sustainably manage brown bears across the state , the department annually conducts research , survey and inventory work to measure changes in the status of brown bear populations and their habitats ; biologists also monitor the impacts of factors influencing the well being of brown bears . this information also helps the department work with the alaska board of game to develop and implement appropriate harvest goals for distinct areas , and to partner with other agencies nationally and internationally to manage this valued species .
only one person has been killed by a bear on kodiak in the past 75 years . about once every other year a bear injures a person .
various bear images have been depicted on california’s flag until 1953 , when an artist was commissioned to design the official state flag featuring a grizzly bear .
* note : when all else fails , i go to shaggy . . . urltoken . . . rs - general . . . go to topic : ' a revaluation of bear subspecies ' . there is a fair amount of good reading there on this subject . i will copy and paste this : brown bear taxonomy revision is an ongoing discussion and only until recent time has there been the benefit of genetic testing . to what extent the earlier dental , cranial , or geographic taxonomic brown bear classification is superseded by genetic mtdna testing remains to be seen . although very revealing ( it ' s still a new emerging field of science ) genetic testing is not comprehensive . re : u . a . gyas , conventional thinking associates this longer skull shaped bear with the alaska peninsula & not with the broader skull bears of the kodiak archipelago . urltoken
geography : brown bears are the most widely distributed bears in the world . they are found in north america , europe , and asia . two subspecies of brown bear are native to north america : the grizzly bear ( u . a . horribilis ) and the kodiak bear ( u . a . middendorffi ) . grizzlies were once widespread throughout north america , inhabiting the great plains region with north / south ranges from alaska to mexico , and west / east ranges from california to ohio . now , they are found only in four u . s . mainland states : washington , idaho , montana , and wyoming where fewer than 2000 remain . brown bears are far more numerous in the state of alaska where there are an estimated 30 , 000 bears—about 95 % of the entire population in the united states .
male bears are close to 2 times heavier than females . a typical adult male weighs between 300 - 850 pounds ( 130 - 390 kilograms ) , while the adult female weighs between 200 - 450 pounds ( 90 - 200 kilograms ) . kodiak bears , the largest of the species , can weigh over 1 , 000 pounds ( 450 kilograms ) , as can those brown bears on the alaska peninsula as featured in episode 1 of bears of the last frontier .
we now offer brooks range fall grizzly bear hunts ! click for details . .
in kenai fjords , brown bears have been seen around exit glacier during the spring ( may ) and fall , even though this is predominantly a black bear habitat . there have also been observations of brown bears in nuka bay , around pederson glacier , and in northwestern fjord .
unt takes place in the heart of prime moose country just outside denali national park , in alaska ' s beautiful interior . this part of the alaska range is famous for big moose . low numbers of hunters coupled with a hard working outfitter , produces high success on quality animals . in this area , moose , caribou , grizzly bear , sheep , black bear , wolf and wolverine are available in the same season and makes this an excellent choice for multi species combination hunts .
i knew it’s true ; this man from denmark could walk across africa . he has hunted all around the world and he’s strong , but this was his first brown bear hunt .
kodiak ( more common for males . it ' s the name of an island , a village , and a brown bear . i ' m not sure about the meaning . )
brown bears tend to be called grizzly bears in interior and northern alaska , but they are all ursus arctos . there is much to learn about their basic ecology , habitat needs , and how they are affected by hunting and resource development . researchers are also refining the techniques used to study bears , implementing innovative survey methods and state of the art tracking and monitoring tools . the benefits of this work extends beyond alaska .
kodiak bears ( ursus arctos middendorffi ) live on kodiak island or one of the nearby islands off the coast of southwestern alaska . these bears can be nearly as large as polar bears ( ursus maritimus ) and include the largest brown bears ( ursus arctos ) on record . sixteen of the twenty largest brown bears killed by hunters have come from the kodiak archipelago .
accepted scientific name : ursus arctos alascensis ( clinton hart merriam , 1896 ) ; however many authorities recognise only two subspecies of brown bear in north america : the grizzly bear ( u . a . horribilis ) and the kodiak bear ( u . a . middendorffi ) . this places these alaskan bears in the subspecies u . a . horribilis .
diet : brown bears are apex predators , meaning they are at the top of the food chain .
compared to black bears , brown bears have rounder , shorter ears and longer , less curved claws .
takes place in the heart of prime moose country just outside denali national park , in alaska ' s beautiful interior . this part of the alaska range is famous for big moose . low numbers of hunters coupled with a hard working outfitter , produces high success on quality animals . in this area , moose , caribou , grizzly bear , sheep , black bear , wolf and wolverine are available in the same season and makes litzen guide service an excellent choice for multi - species combination hunts .
just to clarify , most alaskans ( including native alaskans ) don ' t use any of these three styles . the most popular names in alaska in 2003 were :
life span : around 20 to 30 years in the wild . the oldest recorded bears in alaska were a 38 year old male and a 39 year old female .
bear hunting is done in unit 9e on the alaska peninsula 85 miles below king salmon . this is in the heart of bear country which begins around lake illiamna and ends at cold bay . 400 miles of bear country . . . i am in the center of it . we have the biggest bears in the world here along with kodiak island , about 150 miles away . we hunt bears from 8 to 10˝ feet with 80 - 90 % success over the years , and had 100 % one spring season . i hunt on both us fish and wildlife lands and state lands . i have the permits : you do not have to draw them . while bear and moose seasons are separate , you can hunt wolf when you hunt bear . there is no charge for the tag and no trophy fee for a wolf .
) scandinavian bear conference . rovdjurscentrum orsa grönklitt . orsa , sweden . january 2010 .
these same valleys have rivers and streams full of salmon during the fall seasons . our clients climb to vantage points to glass during both spring and fall hunts until a bear is spotted the guide determines is worthy of a closer look , then a stalk is planned . if you think that the peninsula is a brown bear hunt you would like to book please contact our office for more details , dates , and availability . call 1 - 800 - 303 - 1304 for more details as well as availability and open dates .
the demand for hunting and viewing opportunities of brown bears along the mainland coast of southeast alaska has been increasing . research helps biologists understand their movements , home ranges , and spatial use patterns with relation to habitat types – and historically , little has been documented about these populations .
if you have a serious interest in a true alaska trophy hunt , please call : ( 907 ) 750 - 4882 or use our contact form today for more information .
our grizzly bear hunts entail glassing the open hillsides where grizzly bears are feeding on berries and in river bottoms . sometimes we will hunt grizzly bear over a previous moose kill .
hibernation : brown bears hibernate for 5 - 8 months each year , beginning in the fall months . however , unlike many other hibernating mammals , brown bears do not enter true hibernation ; they can wake if disturbed .
so… . to conclude… . if you have been looking for an opportunity to hunt the famous alaska peninsula , do not delay any longer . we believe you will be deeply impressed with this incredible country and the wildlife it offers . here’s your chance for the hunt of a lifetime . call ( 907 ) 750 - 4882 , use our contact form or send me an e - mail today , and let’s start talking about it .
grizzly bear - denali national park & preserve ( u . s . national park service )
the most important item to clarify is that a brown bear and a grizzly bear are the same animal , ursus arctos . there is a tendency to refer to the bear that lives in the interior as a ‘grizzly’ and its coastal inhabitant as a ‘brown bear’ . the difference is mainly a result of food availability . coastal bears have greater access to rich supplies of protein obtained through feeding on salmon . bears in the interior have a diet that lacks this protein so their coat tends to be lighter in color and they tend to be smaller . brown bears on kodiak island are classified as a distinct subspecies , ursus arctos middendorffi , from those on the mainland because they are genetically and physically isolated .
biologists have used gps radio - collars on bears to map spatial distribution and have analyzed tissue and hair samples for population information . biologists have been able to determine available harvest levels and devise management strategies based on assessed potential vulnerabilities of brown bears to human activities along the coast . biologists have also recorded movements across international borders ( canada / us ) to look at effects of proposed mineral development and associated roads in adjacent british columbia that impact southeast alaska’s brown bear populations . information has also been used to evaluate and refine the tongass national forest’s forest service standards and guides for riparian habitat management for brown bears .
one important source of information on brown bears comes from hunters , who are required to bring the hide and skull in to a fish and game office ( or a representative ) for examination and to provide some details about their hunt . hunters take about 1 , 450 brown bears each year in alaska on average , with harvests varying from one part of the state to another . the department’s sealing data indicates successful bear hunters generate about 6 , 300 days of recreational hunting each year . hunters also contribute significantly to funding bear research , through license sales and excise taxes on guns and ammunition .
in all fairness , some folks selling these hunts actually believe that the russian bear is equal to the alaskan bear , and most are not guides or outfitters at all , and have never even skinned a bear , let alone squared one . in all honesty there are a lot of alaskan guides who have never seen a true 10′ brown bear , and until you do there just is no way you can understand how big a bear of that size really is . those hunters that claim they shot 10′ ( or 11′ ) bears in russia have either been deceived by their professional hunter as to the size of the animal they took , have never seen a truly 10′ bear to compare with , or they know the difference but just aren’t telling . trust me , if you want a chance at a 10′ brown bear , you will have to go to alaska . on the other hand , if you would really like to hunt russia , ( and everyone really should ) give me a call , i will be happy to arrange your hunt there as well .
we had spooked him , but i knew that he would be back to his caribou kill . we checked out an ambush spot from the ridge . it was a bit of a long shot for brown bear , but jens felt comfortable and he would have a chance at multiple shots should this bear return .
though success on brown bear is over 90 % , and many years we have enjoyed 100 % success , it’s inevitable that occasionally a hunter will go home without a bear . for some it will simply be a matter that they held out for a really large bear , others will not be willing to hunt in bad weather and for a very few the circumstances and game movement just will not fall in their favor . regardless , occasionally we do have clients go home without the bear they came for .
approximately 85 - 95 per cent of the brown bear’s diet is from vegetation such as grasses , sedges , bulbs , and roots . insects , fish ( salmon being a favorite ) , small mammals , and carrion are also included in their diet . in some areas , brown bears will predate on moose , caribou , and elk .
there are several brown bear subspecies found in europe , asia , and the middle east , but they are smaller than their north american relatives and their numbers are currently so low that their populations are at critical risk .
* note : i have a theory about these coastal brown bears , the peninsula grizzlies . back during the ice age , as the ice began to melt , kodiak bears became separated into two groups , one group on the islands and the second group on the mainland . today , the kodiaks remain pure while their brothers and sisters on the mainland continuously interbreed with inland grizzlies . just a thought ~
2013 ) . nearly all european countries have some form of bear management plan , action plan or bear management strategy . however , in a number of countries these documents have not been adequately implemented .
alaska is home to about 32 , 000 brown bears , ranging from the arctic to the southeast rainforest . whether these are the oft - photographed mcneil river bears , the famous trophy kodiak island bears , or secretive urban bears co - existing with anchorage residents , state wildlife biologists are keenly interested in these magnificent animals .
kodiak bears are a unique subspecies of the brown or grizzly bear ( ursus arctos middendorffi ) . they live exclusively on the islands in the kodiak archipelago and have been isolated from other bears for about 12 , 000 years .
as a new day dawned in the high country of the peninsula , our band headed around the backside of a ridge that gave us an overlook of a fresh kill and den site . the weather was again uncommonly beautiful . the grandeur of this wilderness filled us all with quiet awe .
no… . that wasn’t the bear that caused the adrenaline rush . be patient . i’m getting there .
this bear is taking a rest in the middle of the meadow . it is just sitting and looking around , left and right . this reprieve allowed us to take some close portraits of the bear .
today hunters kill about 180 kodiak bears each year under tightly controlled regulations . about 5 , 000 resident hunters apply each year for a chance at the 496 bear permits that are available for them . hunters who are not residents of alaska must hire a professional guide , paying $ 10 , 000  $ 21 , 000 per hunt . over 70 % of the kodiak bears killed by hunters are males . see hunting kodiak brown bears .
brown bear size varies depending upon population and diet . adult males may weigh 300 to 860 pounds 136 to 390 kg ) . in the lower 48 states of the usa , the average weight is 600 pounds ( 272 kg ) . in alaska and canada , the average weight is 900 pounds ( 408 kg ) . adult females weigh from 205 to 455 pounds ( 93 to 206 kg ) ; in the lower 48 states , the average weight is 300 pounds 136 kg ) ; in alaska and canada , the average weight is 500 pounds 227 kg ) . birth weight averages 11 ounces to 1 pound 6 ounces 312 to 624 grams ) . longevity in the wild can be as high as 30 years , but typically 25 years is an old bear .
kodiak bear populations are healthy and productive . they enjoy relatively pristine habitat and well managed fish populations . in most areas the number of bears is stable , but there are some places where bear density is increasing .
despite their enormous size , brown bears are extremely fast , having been clocked at speeds of 30 miles per hour . they can be dangerous to humans , particularly if surprised or if a person gets between a mother bear and her cubs .
a group of 4 bears is spotted in a distance . brown bears are sociable animals and seeing them in groups is not unusual .
size and weight : walking on all fours , brown bears have a height of about 3 . 5 feet ( just over 1 meter ) . they can reach heights of 6 - 7 feet ( 1 . 5 - 2 . 5 meters ) when standing on their hind legs . there are regional size differences among bears ; brown bears are generally larger in the north—likely due to the colder climates . the largest of the brown bears , is the kodiak bear ( ursus arctos middendorffi ) , is found only in the kodiak archipelago islands along the southeastern coast of alaska . kodiaks can stand more than 10 feet ( 3 meters ) tall on their hind legs and 5 feet ( 1 . 5 meters ) tall when on all fours .
brown bears dig dens for winter hibernation , often holing up in a suitable hillside . females , or she - bears , den while pregnant and give birth during this winter rest , usually to a pair of cubs . brown bear cubs nurse on their mother ' s milk until spring and stay with her for some two and a half years—so females only reproduce once every three years .
the oldest known wild kodiak bear was a 34 - year - old sow . the oldest boar was 27 .
fur : the coloring of brown bears differs according to environmental conditions , such as diet and temperature , which are specific to the geographical area in which they live . their fur can be whitish , blond , red , or black , in addition to the typical dark brown .
brown bears have long claws that can be the length of a human finger . they are used for digging plant roots and excavating dens .
bears do not defend territories , but they do have traditional areas that they use each year ( home ranges ) . because of the rich variety of foods available on kodiak , bears here have some of the smallest home ranges of any brown bear population .
threats : logging , mining , and urban expansion results in habitat loss and a decrease in food sources . habitat destruction also pushes brown bears into more developed areas , making conflicts with humans more likely . human - caused mortality is the number one cause of bear population decline . illegal hunting can be a particular problem – especially for small bear populations like those in the lower 48 . the reproductive rate of brown bears is very slow , so their populations are unable to “bounce back” easily after they have been depleted .
brown bears are very good swimmers . as cubs , they can climb trees , but as they grow larger that becomes less of an option .
all bears have short , thick limbs , a big , heavily built body , and a large head . look carefully and you’ll notice that most bears walk pigeon - toed , with their feet turned inward . it makes them look a little clumsy when they’re walking , but don’t be fooled—bears can move much more quickly than most people realize . adult brown bears are not quite as comfortable in trees as their panda , black , sun , and sloth bear relatives , although brown bear cubs are encouraged to climb for safety .
i have seen many a horned game hunter get buck fever when the tables turn and he becomes the game . for some , just seeing a big brown is almost too much and simple shots are blown . as a guide , it’s my job to ease the uninitiated through this hurdle and make the extreme excitement manageable until after the shot . i’ve never been to africa , but i seriously doubt there is any more soul - stirring and just downright dangerous game then an alaska brown bear that has decided the hunter is a problem . we were about to get even further educated , as you will see . fortunately , jens was cool and effective under pressure .
brown bears have a bulky muscle mass located above the shoulders . this hump is designed to power the forelimbs and makes them exceptionally powerful diggers . this is one of the features that distinguishes them from the more common north american black bear which lacks such a shoulder hump .
a young feed on berries as dani and marti hunt for moose . this bear will need a few years before it is a good trophy . this bear is probably three year old and will need another three years to make a good representation .
brown bears are opportunistic feeders , fond of any carrion and often found eating garbage in human dumps . typically they eat more than 75 percent vegetable matter consisting of berries , flowers , grasses , herbs , and roots . the remaining 25 percent consists of decaying carcasses , fish , insects , elk and moose calves , and a variety of other small mammals . due to their large size , brown bears require a very high caloric intake of food . in order to achieve this , brown bears will eat 80 to 90 pounds of food per day in the summer and early fall . during this eating binge , in preparation for hibernation , brown bears are able to gain three to six pounds of fat each day . hibernation lasts from five to eight months in the coldest parts of the brown bear’s range . however , in warmer areas , like kodiak island , some bears may remain active throughout the winter season .
just as the impact of hunting on most bear populations was minimized through the efforts of people , so , too , can the impact of habitat loss and climate change be reduced . we can all make a difference , and the first step is to get passionate about bears and bear conservation . where’s a great place to start ? the san diego zoo ! brown bears are not endangered , but as humans continue to put pressure on the bear ' s wild spaces , we are challenged to find ways to share space with this magnificent animal .
while there has been much confusion about the taxonomy of brown bears ( ursus arctos ) , taxonomists agree there are at least two subspecies in north america - - the grizzly bear ( u . a . horribilis ) and the kodiak bear ( u . a . middendorffi ) . there is confusion about whether to consider others , like u . a . gyas and u . a . macfarlani , as separate subspecies .