Kodiak Bear cubs, like most cubs, are helpless when they are first born. These bears reach maturity at age five.
Mating season is between May and June and each litter has approximately 2-4 cubs about every 4 years. When Kodiak Bear cubs are first born (between January and February), they have closed eyes, can barely hear, and are less than a pound. (7). The cubs emerge from the den in May or June, weighing between 15-20 lbs. Sows usually are seen taking care of 6-8 cubs at a time due to sows adopting cubs from other litters (5).
Kodiak Bear cubs stay with their mothers for approximately three years. Some cubs (almost half) will not survive, one of the main reasons being cannibalism by adult males (2).
Kodiak Bears that are between the ages of 3-5 have high mortality rates being 56% of males and 89% of females surviving (7). Most young females stay close to their mother's “home range” but most males will live further away from the "home range" to show dominance (6).
Cubs- In a Glimpse
Mating season is between May and June and each litter has approximately 2-4 cubs about every 4 years. When Kodiak Bear cubs are first born (between January and February), they have closed eyes, can barely hear, and are less than a pound. (7). The cubs emerge from the den in May or June, weighing between 15-20 lbs. Sows usually are seen taking care of 6-8 cubs at a time due to sows adopting cubs from other litters (5).
Kodiak Bear cubs stay with their mothers for approximately three years. Some cubs (almost half) will not survive, one of the main reasons being cannibalism by adult males (2).
Kodiak Bears that are between the ages of 3-5 have high mortality rates being 56% of males and 89% of females surviving (7). Most young females stay close to their mother's “home range” but most males will live further away from the "home range" to show dominance (6).
Cubs- In a Glimpse
- Have closed eyes, bad hearing, and weigh one pound when born
- Emerge from dens when they are 15 to 20 pounds
- 2-4 cubs every four years
- Sows "adopt" cubs from other litters