Although similar, they are two separate species. Grizzlies can actually grow to be larger than black bears, although their coloration may be similar according to Peterson s First Guide to Mammals. Grizzly bears have longer claws than black bears and their heads are larger in proportion to their bodies. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of the grizzly is the hump, or roach, on its back gives the grizzly a great deal of strength in its forelegs, according to The Bears of Yellowstone, by Paul Schullery. Adult male grizzlies can weigh 800 pounds and females are about half that size.
Bears are omnivorous creatures, and grizzlies are no exception.
While they mainly eat vegetation, bears will eat carrion, and small or weak animals. Bears living near the coast will consume fish in season. Grizzlies will forage over a range as large as 1000 square miles, according to the Official World Wildlife Federation Guide to Endangered Species. This depends largely upon the availability of food and where food is abundant. A grizzly will have a much smaller range.