Quick answer
Grizzly Bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) typically live around 20–25 years in the wild. Wild averages fall when predation, disease, or habitat loss rise; managed populations can live longer with stable food and veterinary care.
Key takeaway
Grizzly Bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) typically live around 20–25 years in the wild. Wild averages fall when predation, disease, or habitat loss rise; managed populations can live longer with stable food and veterinary care.
Grizzly Bear lifespan in the wild
Field and museum records place most grizzly bears near 20–25 years in the wild. That figure blends ages at death across regions, so treat it as a planning range. Body size (130–360 kg (290–800 lb)) and risk lifestyle both shape the average.
What shortens grizzly bear lives
Predation, infectious disease, injury, food shortages, and habitat fragmentation cut survival. Roadkill and human conflict matter wherever grizzly bears share landscapes with people.
What helps grizzly bears live longer
Connected habitat, low chronic stress, and reliable food support longevity. For captive or domestic relatives, species-correct diet and veterinary screening matter more than generic “pet” advice.
Grizzly Bear life stages
Juveniles usually face higher mortality than prime adults. Older animals may move less, show dental wear, or lose body condition — useful signs when ageing grizzly bears in the field.
Power and the body
A grizzly is built for strength, with a distinctive shoulder hump of muscle that powers its digging and a bite strong enough to crush bone. Despite their bulk, grizzlies can sprint at 56 km/h (35 mph) over short distances, faster than any human, and they are strong swimmers and capable climbers when young.
Conservation
Brown bears as a whole are listed as Least Concern, but grizzlies were driven out of much of their former range in the lower United States. They survive today mainly in protected areas such as Yellowstone and the northern Rockies, and recovery efforts continue to manage human-bear conflict.
Sources
Grizzly Bear FAQs
How long do grizzly bears live?
Grizzly Bears (Ursus arctos horribilis) typically live around 20–25 years in the wild. Wild averages fall when predation, disease, or habitat loss rise; managed populations can live longer with stable food and veterinary care.
What is the scientific name of the grizzly bear?
Ursus arctos horribilis — used in research and conservation listings for grizzly bears.
What do grizzly bears eat?
Grizzly Bears are described as omnivores, with seasonal and regional variation in Forests, meadows, and mountains.
Where do grizzly bears live?
They are associated with Forests, meadows, and mountains. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of grizzly bears?
Listed in our guides as Least Concern. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.