When I saw this beautiful bear, his face was so majestic I had to draw it.

As with all our endangered animals the Grizzly's habitat is disappearing. Grizzly bears once romped from the Arctic Slope to Central Mexico and from the Pacific Coast to Minnesota. They were once associated with large buffalo herds, but as the bison disappeared the great bear moved from its primary range in the foothills and river valleys. Today in the United States (U.S.), the grizzly is usually found in the foothills and high mountain wilderness areas of western and south central Montana. When found in low-elevation habitats, grizzly bears are usually located along the east slope of the Rocky Mountains and in the foothills of the Mission Mountains. The Yellowstone National Park area grizzly populations appear to be rising or stabilizing.

Another reason for a decrease in numbers is Grizzly bears have a very low reproductive rates; one of the lowest of any mammal. At around 4 to 7 years of age from about mid-April to mid-July the females breed. Typically, they produce two cubs, maybe, every three years. The cubs spend two of those years with the mother.

This and the large area they require of undisturbed habitat are reasons for the decline of the Grizzly. They also have a large mortality and habitat loss from man’s intrusion. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, “oil and gas development, recreational development, improper livestock grazing, poaching, excessive road access, and poorly designed timber harvest are all factors.”

For these reasons I wished to record the Grizzly’s dignified presence. I am sure there will be more Grizzly Art from me of this shy beautiful creature.

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