The short answer: Adult male grizzly bears typically weigh between 270 and 635 kilograms (600 to 1,400 pounds), while females usually weigh 130 to 200 kilograms (290 to 440 pounds). Weight swings widely across the year with feeding.
Grizzly bear weight by type
A grizzly's weight depends heavily on sex, region, and the time of year. Here are typical ranges.
| Type (example) | Typical weight |
|---|---|
| Cub (first year) | About 25 to 35 kg (55 to 77 lb) |
| Adult female | About 130 to 200 kg (290 to 440 lb) |
| Adult male (inland) | About 180 to 360 kg (400 to 800 lb) |
| Adult male (coastal) | About 360 to 635 kg (800 to 1,400 lb) |
What affects grizzly bear weight
- Sex. Males are generally much heavier than females.
- Season. Bears can gain well over 100 kg in late summer and fall before hibernation.
- Region and diet. Coastal bears feeding on salmon grow far heavier than inland bears.
- Age. Bears keep gaining size for several years before reaching full adult weight.
- Food availability. Good berry and salmon years produce noticeably heavier bears.
How grizzly bear weight compares
A large coastal male near 635 kg weighs about as much as a grand piano, or roughly eight adult humans combined.
Frequently asked questions
How much do grizzly bears weigh before hibernation?
Grizzlies eat heavily in late summer and fall, often gaining over 100 kilograms. A large male can approach or exceed 600 kilograms by the time he dens.
Are grizzly bears heavier than black bears?
Yes, on average. Grizzlies are generally larger and heavier than American black bears, though a big black bear can outweigh a small grizzly.
How much does a grizzly cub weigh?
Cubs are tiny at birth, around 0.5 kilograms, and grow to roughly 25 to 35 kilograms by the end of their first year.
