Grizzly bears inhabit Alaska, parts of the northwestern United States, and western Canada. They can average up to seven hundred pounds, males weighing more than females, and their coloration can vary from a light brown to a very dark brown.

All grizzly bears are brown bears, but not all brown bears are grizzly bears. There are multiple subspecies of brown bear, and the grizzly is just one of them. Other subspecies include the Kodiak bear and the now extinct California grizzly bear.

Grizzlies are omnivores, meaning they can and will eat vegetation, but they also hunt for food like fish or small mammals.

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Our Current Resident

Ozzy

Ozzy was born in Yellowstone National Park, but while living in the park, Ozzy frequented campgrounds in search of easily accessible food. After multiple attempts to stop him from visiting campgrounds, YNP staff decided to remove Ozzy from the park, leading to his move to ZooMontana in July 2020.
Ozzy’s full name is Ozzie Norris. The “Norris” inclusion is a reference to the Norris Campground in Yellowstone, the camp site he frequently visited.

Gender: Male

Birthday: Born 2007/2008 (estimated and celebrated)

Willie and George: Willie and George have a similar story to Ozzy, as they were being taught how to rely on campsites to get food by their mother. Their mother was passing down a strategy that was taught to her. To break this cycle and keep the public safe, the decision to remove the cubs and their mother from the area was made by Montana’s Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the cubs were brought to the Zoo.   

Willie

Willie may appear browner in his face and body, and smaller than his brother and significantly smaller than Ozzy who is considered an adult and fully grown.  

Gender: Male

Birthday: Born in 2023

George

George appears to have more blonde fur on his face and is larger than his brother but is significantly smaller than Ozzy who is considered an adult and fully grown.  

Gender: Male

Birthday: Born in 2023