Giant Grizzlies

The grizzly bears of Alaska are regarded as the most powerful land predators on earth. In fact, some individuals are gigantic. Early grizzly hunters reported huge beasts, but proven measurements are rare. Although the grizzly population as a whole is not threatened, the number of these extremely large animals seems to be declining. Such giants have not been shot since the thirties. Nevertheless, rumours persist about gigantic bears in remote areas. In 1997 there was finally clear evidence: gold prospectors found a bear's skeleton of a quite incredible size, that weighed some 1300 kilos! Examination of the skull showed that the animal died about 20 years ago. The measurements of the bones broke all records: so they do exist, the giant grizzlies!