Quick Bear ID

[fishing4sanity]

I went over Beartooth Loop (212) going from Red Lodge to Cody on Wednesday, on the way down the Wyoming side I saw this bear and got a few quick photos and then he took off. I've never hunted bears and have only seen a few out in the wild, at first I was thinking grizzly, but then when I looked at the pics I was thinking it's just a color phase black bear. What's the best thing to look for to make a quick judgement?

 

[Missoulaz28]

Yes it is a bear.











Dished face makes me think black bear. not an expert though.

 

[LuckyMike]

Color phase black bear in my opinion! Check out Montana's online test for identifying black bear vs. grizzly. We all have to pass this in order to hunt black bear in Montana. Link: http://fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter/bearID/default.html

 

[passinthru]

The coloring on that bear is awesome, unless the shadows are screwing with me.

I'm saying Black.

I don't see a hump and the head gives it away to me anyway. Blacks have smaller different shaped heads. But far from an expert.

We were in Cody Wednesday also just coming out of the park part of vacation.

Saw an awesome rodeo and the museums are unbelievable. Not to mention visiting with the Wild Sheep Foundation ladies at their headquarters.

Sorry to hijack

 

[gman82001]

Im saying black as well but man that would look good on my wall

 

[Drake4]

Small black bear.

 

[CabinFever]

Dished face makes me think black bear. not an expert though.

I think a dished face is something that usually describes a grizzly, but to me those ears scream small black bear.

 

[THWAK1]

Awesome looking color phase black bear. Small though...ears look huge on his melon. Great pics.

 

[THWAK1]

I caught this 'lil ghost on camera last summer. Love the color of the coat, but he's a very young bear.

 

[Missoulaz28]

I think a dished face is something that usually describes a grizzly, but to me those ears scream small black bear.

That's what I get for answering a question when I get off work at 2:30 in the morning. Pointy ears and body shape are a big giveaway also.

I never was good at showing my work, just getting the right answer.

 

[DavidKeenan]

little blackie no doubt.

 

[jerrym]

it is a color phased black bear. Nothing says grizzly to me.