California Grizzly Bears Were Primarily Vegetarian, Smaller Than Previously Thought: Study
New research contradicts historical accounts, revealing that the now-extinct bears derived less than 10% of their nutrition from other mammals before European arrival.
- New research suggests that the now-extinct California grizzly bears were primarily vegetarian, contrary to historical accounts that portrayed them as ravenous meat-eaters.
- The bears were also found to be smaller than previously thought, with an average weight of around 440 pounds, far less than the 2,000 pounds often reported in historical accounts.
- Researchers analyzed archival documents and grizzly specimens in natural history collections, including skulls, teeth, bones, and pelts to arrive at these conclusions.
- The study found that pre-European arrival, 90% of the bears' nutrition came from plants, and 10% came from animal meat. This shifted slightly with the proliferation of farming and ranching, with meat rising to account for 26% of the bears' diet.
- The findings highlight how human activities can alter an animal's behavior and diet, and lead to exaggerated predation narratives that incentivize persecution, triggering rapid loss of an otherwise widespread and ecologically flexible animal.
Los Angeles Times 
Smithsonian Magazine 
