When you picture a massive polar bear next to a burly grizzly, it’s natural to wonder—who actually comes out on top in terms of size? Polar bears usually tip the scales heavier than grizzlies, especially when you look at adult males. Some brown bear subspecies, like the famous Kodiaks, can sometimes match polar bears in weight, though. That simple fact sets the stage as you dig into their exact measurements, body shapes, and why size even matters for each bear’s day-to-day survival.
Let’s get into how their habitats and diets shape their bodies. You’ll see how their paws and fur work for different environments, and why being heavier doesn’t always mean being the strongest. Curious about the real numbers? There’s plenty to compare, plus a few surprises about how these two giants manage to survive where they do.
Size Comparison: Polar Bear vs Grizzly Bear
You’ll find out which bear usually weighs more, how long and tall each one gets, how males and females compare, and which individuals set the size records.
Average and Maximum Weight
Polar bears usually win the heavyweight title among living bears. Adult males commonly weigh between 770 and 1,500 pounds (350–700 kg).
Adult females come in lighter, usually from 330 to 650 pounds (150–295 kg). That extra fat isn’t just for show—it keeps them warm and fueled in the Arctic.
Grizzly bears, which are a brown bear subspecies, usually weigh less. Adult male grizzlies living near polar bear territory often weigh 400–790 pounds (180–360 kg).
Females generally weigh 200–400 pounds (90–180 kg). Kodiak bears, which live near the coast, can get much heavier than inland grizzlies thanks to better food.
When you look at records, some polar bears have reached over 2,000 pounds, while only a handful of grizzlies ever get past 1,700 pounds.
Height and Body Length
Polar bears have long bodies and huge forepaws, perfect for swimming across sea ice. Adult males usually stretch about 8 to 10 feet (2.4–3 m) from nose to tail.
Standing up on their hind legs, they often reach 8–10 feet tall.
Grizzlies are a bit shorter but still look pretty intimidating. Mature males usually measure 6.5 to 8 feet (2–2.5 m) long on all fours.
When they stand up, they can reach 7–10 feet tall. Kodiak bears, which are a type of brown bear, can sometimes match polar bears in both length and height if you compare the biggest individuals.
Their body shapes set them apart. Polar bears look longer and leaner, while grizzlies are stockier, with that signature shoulder hump.
Size Differences by Gender
You’ll notice a clear size gap between males and females in both species. Male polar bears often weigh 1.5 to 2 times as much as females.
This difference matters a lot for hunting and breeding since males fight for mates and territory.
Grizzly males also outweigh females, but the gap changes depending on where they live and what they eat. In coastal areas with lots of food, female grizzlies can get heavier, so the difference with males shrinks a bit.
Females in both species stay smaller because they put so much energy into raising cubs.
If you compare the sexes across both species, a big male grizzly might match a smaller male polar bear, but the largest male polar bears usually outweigh almost any grizzly.
Record-Breaking Bears
The biggest polar bear on record weighed about 2,209 pounds (1,002 kg). That’s enormous, even for the bear world. This record comes from older reports and pops up a lot in size debates.
The largest brown bears, including Kodiaks, have gone over 1,700 pounds (770 kg), but that’s rare. Kodiaks are the heavyweight champs among brown bears and can rival polar bears in the right conditions.
These records mostly come from old accounts and trophy measurements, so there’s a bit of uncertainty. Still, they show the upper limits: polar bears lead in maximum weight, while Kodiaks and big brown bears prove just how huge grizzlies can get if they have enough food.
Physical and Biological Differences
You’ll spot clear differences in their builds, fur, fat, and even where they live and hunt. All these traits affect how each bear moves, eats, and survives in their own world.
Physical Features and Adaptations
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are built for life on ice and in freezing water. Adult males often hit 800–1,500 pounds and have long necks, narrow heads, and a thick layer of blubber—sometimes up to 4.5 inches.
Their fur looks white but is really translucent, trapping heat and helping them blend into snowy landscapes. Polar bears have a streamlined shape that lets them swim for hours—some have crossed more than 60 miles in the water.
Grizzly bears (Ursus arctos), especially the ones people call grizzlies, are bulkier and made for life on land. Males usually weigh 400–800 pounds, depending on what’s around to eat.
They have a big shoulder hump made of muscle—great for digging and delivering powerful swipes. Their fur ranges from brown to blond, and it’s thickest on their backs and necks to protect them during fights or rough weather.
Claws, Teeth, and Bite Force
Polar bear claws are big, slightly curved, and about 2 inches long. They use them to grip ice and catch slippery seals.
Their teeth are made for meat—big canines and sharp carnassials for slicing. Polar bears have enough bite force to crush bone, though numbers vary depending on how scientists measure it.
Grizzly claws are longer and straighter, usually 2.5–4 inches, and perfect for digging up roots or flipping heavy rocks. Their front paws pack a punch.
Grizzlies have strong molars for grinding plants, along with sharp canines for eating meat. Both bears sit at the top of the food chain with powerful jaws, but polar bears focus more on cutting flesh, while grizzlies have a more varied chewing style.
Habitats and Geographic Range
Polar bears roam around Arctic sea ice in northern Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Russia, and parts of Svalbard. They rely on sea ice for hunting seals and as pathways between dens and feeding spots.
When the ice disappears, polar bears struggle to find food and often have to swim farther or move onto land. That can’t be easy.
Grizzly bears wander across western North America, from Alaska down through western Canada and into some parts of the lower United States. They stick to forests, alpine meadows, and river valleys, and the food changes with the seasons.
This land-based lifestyle gives grizzlies a more varied diet than polar bears. They eat berries, roots, salmon, ungulates, or even carrion, depending on what’s around at the time.
