Location
The Arctic/Barren Ground Grizzly inhabits the tundra and barren-ground regions of northern North America, occupying some of the most remote and environmentally demanding landscapes on the continent. Adapted to long winters, sparse vegetation, limited food resources, and extended periods of hibernation, these bears maintain some of the largest home ranges and lowest population densities of any North American brown bear population.
For GSCO record-keeping and milestone purposes, the Arctic/Barren-Ground Grizzly is defined as any grizzly bear legally harvested north of the Arctic Circle (66°33′ N) within tundra or barren-ground habitat. This designation includes all of Nunavut and qualifying Arctic tundra regions north of the Arctic Circle in the Northwest Territories, Alaska, and other contiguous portions of the species' northern range.
Although populations are generally most abundant in the western Arctic, they become increasingly scattered and localized toward the eastern extent of their distribution. The combination of vast wilderness, severe environmental conditions has long made the Arctic/Barren Ground Grizzly one of North America's most respected and challenging big game animals.
GSCO Geographic Designation: All legally harvested grizzly bears taken within the Territory of Nunavut shall qualify as Arctic/Barren-Ground Grizzlies. Outside of Nunavut, only bears harvested north of the Arctic Circle (66°33′ N) within tundra or barren-ground habitats shall qualify under this designation.
Description
Roughly the same size as a mountain grizzly, though smaller than the lowland grizzlies found along the salmon rivers of Alaska and British Columbia. The Arctic/Barren Ground grizzly is a handsome bear that is known for its long, luxurious coat, which can come in a variety of colors.
Remarks
TAXONOMIC NOTES Consists of the named races andersoni (east branch Dease River), inoptinatus (northeast of Fort Anderson), macfarlani (Anderson River), and richardsoni (Bathurst Inlet), with richardsoni Swainson.
Arctic/Barren Ground Grizzly Bear is counted towards the GSCO Rex Baker Super 40® milestone.
Source: Safari Club International (SCI).
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