Animals Kingdom

The Kodiak Brown Bear: Giant of the Alaskan Wilderness

The Kodiak brown bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi) is the largest subspecies of brown bear, rivaling the polar bear in size. Native to the remote Kodiak Archipelago in Alaska, these bears can stand up to 3 meters tall on their hind legs and weigh over 700 kilograms. Despite their intimidating size, Kodiak bears are generally solitary and peaceful, spending much of their time fishing for salmon or foraging for berries.

A well-known story involves a Kodiak bear named “Big Ben” who became a star in a conservation program. Rescued as a cub after being orphaned, Ben amazed researchers with his playful nature and intelligence. He quickly learned to solve puzzles to access food, such as rolling barrels or lifting logs, showing remarkable problem-solving skills. Big Ben’s story has been used to educate visitors about the importance of preserving the fragile habitats these giants call home.