Species profile
About this species
The grizzly bear is a large subspecies of brown bear native to North America, recognised by the distinctive hump of muscle on its shoulders & its dish-shaped facial profile. Adults can weigh between 180 & 360 kilograms, with males considerably larger than females. They are omnivorous & highly adaptable, feeding on everything from berries & roots to fish & large mammals depending on the season.
Grizzly bears inhabit a range of environments including dense forests, alpine meadows, river valleys & tundra across western North America, particularly in Alaska, British Columbia & the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. They favour areas with abundant food sources & access to rivers & streams.
Where to photograph
Where our trips feature this species
You can photograph Grizzly Bear with us in Canada.
These departures are part of our North America programme.
In the field, David Miles & Pui Hang Miles helps guests make the most of these encounters.
Field notes
Photography notes
Late summer to early autumn, particularly August & September during the salmon run, offers the most rewarding photography opportunities. Early morning & late afternoon light provides the best conditions for capturing rich colour & detail in the fur.
Use a long telephoto lens of at least 400mm to maintain a safe distance while achieving frame-filling compositions. Position yourself near salmon rivers during spawning season for dramatic action shots of bears fishing. Shoot during the golden hours of early morning & late afternoon to capture warm light that accentuates the bear's distinctive fur colouring & texture.
Available holidays
Trips featuring Grizzly Bear
The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.