The short answer: Most adult bears weigh about 100 to 600 kg (220 to 1,320 lb), and the largest polar and Kodiak bears can exceed 700 kg (1,540 lb).
Bear weight by type
Weight varies enormously by species. Here are typical adult ranges.
| Type (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Sun bear | About 25 to 65 kg (55 to 145 lb) |
| American black bear | About 60 to 250 kg (130 to 550 lb) |
| Brown (grizzly) bear | About 130 to 360 kg (290 to 790 lb) |
| Polar bear | About 350 to 700 kg (770 to 1,540 lb) |
| Kodiak bear | Up to roughly 750 kg (1,650 lb) |
What affects bear weight
- Species. Sun bears are tiny compared with polar and Kodiak bears.
- Sex. Males are typically much heavier than females.
- Season. Bears can nearly double their weight before hibernation.
- Food supply. Access to salmon or rich forage drives heavier bodies.
- Age. Bears keep growing for several years after birth.
How bear weight compares
A large polar bear can weigh about as much as a small car, while a small sun bear is closer to the weight of a large dog.
Frequently asked questions
Which bear is the heaviest?
Polar bears and Kodiak (brown) bears are the heaviest, with large males sometimes topping 700 kg.
How much does a grizzly bear weigh?
Adult grizzlies typically weigh about 130 to 360 kg, with large coastal males heavier still.
Why do bears gain so much weight before winter?
They build fat reserves to survive months of hibernation without eating, often gaining well over 100 kg.
