Grizzly Bear or Black Bear?

[KillBilly]

Wow, Ursus arctos horribilis. It definately has that look. Grizz are more likely to have three cubs than the Ursus americanus but the blackie can have 3-4 cubs also.

[GoldTip]

All pics are with head down, I have seen quite a few blackies that gave me pause when in that position while spring hunting back home in Montana.  But from a 1000 yards, I would definitely take another look when I closed the gap to 300 before I took a shot.

[Timberstalker]

It kinda gets me wondering , but then on the other hand the face and head are sure dark

[JoeVon]

Oh how I wish that Sow wouldn't have had those cubs...damn you Skinner for even bringing her up.

[Kanooper]

Looks like a Griz to me, but what the hell do I know?

[pendoreilleadventures]

looks likea griz to me. thats a big hump

[scudmaster]

Looks like a griz to me.

[boneaddict]

Like to see his face to confirm, but VERY SUSPECT.   Dang cool Timber.   Looking forward to November.

[addicted]

Looks like one to me too, dang, that sucks, not as bad as the wolves though.

i know having the wolves is crappy but how is grizzlies worse than the blackies.

[rosscrazyelk]

My bet is a Griz. I was up north of highway 2 a couple years ago and the sign at the trailhead said to watch out for them. Also I remember reading somewhere that area is considered a grizzly zone

[MikeWalking]

Yep I vote Griz..even at 1000 yards that hump is just to much to ignore

good pic for the distance. what were you using?

[bankwalker]

looks like the same spot

yeah really does look like the same spot. bear is pretty close to looking the same aswell.

[popeshawnpaul]

If you asked me to bet my life on it, I would have to say black bear.  It's really close though.  Everything but the hump says black bear.  I have seen some black bear with humps.  Not sure if the hillside and the position of the bear has much to do with it.  We should get a bear biologist to confirm this. 

[saylean]

That black bear I had by my car sure looked like it had a hump on a few of the angles I saw it at...at first. Had to watch it quite a bit to be more clear.

[Timber]

As much as I want to believe it's a grizzly (every time I look at that shoulder hump I swear it is), I think it's a black bear. These next 3 photos should clear it up. His face definitely looks like that of a black bear and the hump isn't there.

I sent these pictures to a Grizzly Bear Biologist friend of mine, but he is currently working on a project out in the field. I will post what he thinks when I hear back from him.