Patterns of Weight Gain and Loss for Grizzly Bears in Northern Canada

January 1, 1983

Patterns of Weight Gain and Loss for Grizzly Bears in Northern Canada

Seasonal weight change in the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) in two populations in northern Canada was studied by fitting growth curves to spring and fall weights. The spring weight of females levels off soon after the average age of first reproduction; that of males continues to increase through maturity and eventually reaches nearly twice that of females. Males lost in winter 22% of their fall weight, the fraction changing very little with age. The weight change in females is much larger, and continues to increase with age, the oldest females gaining in summer 70% of their spring weight and losing in winter 40% of their fall weight. Mature females gain and lose not only relatively, but absolutely, more weight than males.

Author(s) M. C. S. Kingsley and J. A. Nagy and R. H. Russell
Volume 5
Issue
Pages 174-178
Publication Date 1 January 1983
DOI 10.2307/3872535
File Size 192.37 KB
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