The grizzly bear and the polar bear are two large, ferocious mammals belonging to the family Ursidae. At first glance, they seem similar––two cuddly real-life teddy bears. Yet, despite their cuddly appearance, they are both apex predators with large claws and frightening teeth.
So, who would win in a fight? It really boils down to the individual bear, fighting ground, and sheer aggression. You can see for yourself who would prove victorious here.
Environmental Factors Would Play a Critical Role
These bears are built to be the apex predators in their specific environment. However, because of climate change, polar bears and grizzlies are starting to encounter each other in the wild. In some instances, this results in a hybrid breed known as the “pizzly.” It’s a grizzly bear/polar bear mix. In other instances, they get into brutal fights.
The Grizzly Bears Thrive in Alaska and Canada
Grizzly bears are mostly found in Alaska and western Canada. They live in open and semi-forested areas but are highly adaptable to many habitats. You might find one resting in a subalpine meadow, running through the Arctic tundra, or hunting in a high mountain forest. They prefer to stay close to rivers and streams.
Grizzly bears spend most of their spring, summer, and fall months packing on the pounds to prepare for hibernation. They will spend five or more months huddled in their den, protected from the harsh winter elements. During hibernation, they will lower their heart and respiratory rates, conserving their energy needs to last through the winter.
A grizzly bear is at its most powerful in its natural habitat at certain times of the year. A grizzly would be at its most powerful in the summer, while in the winter, it would conserve its energy for survival.
Polar Bears Focus on Hunting for Seals
Polar bears are the kings of sea ice. They can be found in Alaska, Greenland, Russia, and Norway. This is because a polar bear’s diet mainly consists of seals, making it the most carnivorous bear. A polar bear will spend most of its day lying next to a hole in the ice, waiting for a seal to come to the surface, a method called still-hunting. They also rely on killer whale carcasses and seaweed or hunt on the shore if they cannot find enough seals to eat.
The life and habitat of a polar bear versus a grizzly bear are very different. A grizzly bear is more versatile and can thrive in different environments, while the polar bear spends its days in the Arctic searching for seals.
Size Plays a Big Role in Bear Combat
Polar bears are the largest of the two bear species. An adult male can reach 10 feet tall (standing on two legs) and weigh between 775 and 1500 pounds! A grizzly bear can reach eight feet when standing and averages between 400 to 800 pounds. The polar bear’s immense size is primarily due to its protein-packed diet.
Not only is the polar bear significantly larger, but its brute strength also puts it one step ahead of its opponent. Polar bears are known to flip over and move 1,000-pound icebergs, whereas the grizzly bear’s lift force is closer to 600 pounds. A grizzly bear is five times more powerful than a human, but a polar bear’s strength is greater than ten humans!
The polar bear’s size and strength are unmatched by many other deadly predators, the grizzly bear included. Yet, the fight’s not over yet. There are other factors to consider when deciding whether a polar bear or grizzly would win a fight.
Grizzly Bears Have Stronger Jaws and Claws
A polar bear has large paws with short, sharp nails that help it remain steady when navigating slippery ice. A grizzly bear has a smaller paw size, but its claws are longer and sharper, which allows it to dig for food and capture fast-moving prey. A grizzly bear’s strong, long claws would inflict severe damage on its polar bear opponent.
Both bears have large teeth and a powerful bite force. A grizzly bear’s canine teeth can reach three inches in length, while the polar bear’s canine teeth are closer to two inches. Still, while a grizzly bear’s teeth are bigger, a polar bear’s jaws are stronger.
Another difference is the shape of each bear’s skull. The grizzly bear’s skull is short and thick to withstand much more damage. The polar bear’s skull is long and slender, great for swimming but offers little protection. With all things considered in this category, it would seem like that the grizzly bear takes the upper hand in this category.
Grizzly Bears Are More Aggressive Than Polar Bears
Being the larger, stronger opponent doesn’t mean much if an animal does not have the will to fight. A more aggressive animal can overpower a larger adversary. Both polar and grizzly bears are fierce predators at the top of their food chain. But the grizzly has proven to be the more aggressive bear.
The grizzly bear tends to be more territorial. There’s a reason why these bears are so dangerous! They will fight to defend an animal carcass, while polar bears are more likely to retreat and avoid confrontation.
Winner: Grizzly Bear Beats Polar Bear
It’s no doubt that a battle between a grizzly and a polar bear would be a close call. The polar bear may have a hefty size, weight, and bite force advantage, but that may not be enough to overcome its rival. Its fierce aggression, accompanied by its powerful skull, sharp teeth, and claws, would prove the grizzly to be a worthy adversary and, most likely, the ultimate winner.
