The Barren Ground Grizzly Bear in Northern Canada

Abstract

Discusses distribution of the bears, and takes exception to certain statements of A.W.F. Banfield (No. 56712). His thesis of a recent eastward range extension as a continuation of the species' postglacial dispersal from Beringia is rejected. The range of the species is considered to have changed many times since the end of the Wisconsin glaciation; recent increase of bears in the east is probably a minor range fluctuation. Occurrence of grizzlies in northern Quebec - Labrador is not to be discounted, as Banfield does: several records of bears seen near the eastern end of the range since 1948 are cited.