Grizzly Bear

Hello there. My name is Grizzly, and I am a big, strong grizzly bear. Grizzly bears have thick fur that varies in color from light tan to dark brown, often with white-tipped hairs giving a grizzled appearance, to keep me warm. Do you see the big hump on my shoulders? It’s not a backpack full of toys. It is a super-strong muscle. This muscle is very special because it helps me do my most important jobs. I use my strong shoulder muscle to help me dig. I can dig big holes in the ground to find yummy roots to eat. I also use my muscles to dig a cozy den where I can take my naps.

I love to eat all day long. My tummy is always ready for a snack. I am an omnivore. That is a very big word. It just means I love to eat lots of different things. I eat plants, and I eat little critters too. My favorite treats are sweet, juicy berries that grow on bushes. I find them all over the forest. It is also so much fun to go to the river. I stand in the cool water and wait. When a fish swims by, SPLASH. I swat my big paws in the water to catch a slippery, wiggly fish for dinner.

When the air gets chilly and the white snow begins to fall, I know it is time for a very long sleep. I find my warm den that I dug. I curl up inside where it is safe and cozy. I hibernate all winter long, which is like taking one big, long nap until spring comes. When I am awake and roaming the forest, I have a very important job. As I munch on berries, seeds get stuck in my furry coat. When I walk around, I help spread these seeds all over the ground. This helps new plants and berry bushes grow. I am a helper of the forest, and that is my favorite job of all.