Welcome to Bears in British Columbia. This site provides educational information for the public about the many facets of both Grizzly Bears and Black Bears in BC, including:

  • biology

  • habitat and population trends

  • conservation and management techniques

  • hunting practices and regulations.



  • British Columbia, Canada

    Total Area:
    947,800 sq. km.

    Population (1991):
    3,282,061


    Located on the west coast of Canada, our province features mostly mountainous terrain, with a wide variety of climates, from arid to rain forest conditions.

    Site Credits





    One of every four grizzly bears remaining in North America lives in BC.


    In 1870 there were about 80,000 black bears in BC. How many are there today (approximately)?



    The name grizzly bear does not come from the word "grisly" or terrifying -- it comes from the French word for "grey" (grisel). The term "grizzled" was first applied to men's beards as they turned greyish at the ends. And grizzly fur has light ends.