The Kodiak bear, so called because a sizable population of the species lives around Kodiak archipelago of islands in the Gulf of Alaska, is a subspecies of the brown bear family, although genetic research suggests that the Kodiak bear is not sufficiently different from the other brown bear family members of Ursus arctos to warrant a subspecies classification. Kodiak bears are big: Adult males weigh between 500 and 1,000 pounds, females about 600 pounds. However, their great mass doesn't make either of them slow on their feet.
It Depends on How You Define Average
The Kodiak bear may look like a lumbering giant, but his large physique is mostly muscle. The hump on his back, beneath the neck, is solid muscle the bear uses for digging. It also provides him with the power to use his paws as a weapon. These bears have a flat-footed, pigeon-toed walk; however, when one picks up pace, he can cover short distances at speeds of 35 to 40 miles per hour. An average walking pace is about 3 miles per hour, which is very similar to the average human walking pace. When he breaks into a jog, he doubles his speed to 6 miles per hour.
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Writer Bio
Based in London, Eleanor McKenzie has been writing lifestyle-related books and articles since 1998. Her articles have appeared in the "Palm Beach Times" and she is the author of numerous books published by Hamlyn U.K., including "Healing Reiki" and "Pilates System." She holds a Master of Arts in informational studies from London University.
