Battle of the beasts: thrilling footage shows moment two grizzly bears collide in Alaskan wilderness

Battle of the beasts: thrilling footage shows moment two grizzly bears collide in Alaskan wilderness

The two male bears were filmed fighting over a female in Denali National Park and Preserve.

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Published: February 15, 2025 at 6:19 am

Grizzly bears are among the most powerful predators in Alaska, where they spend their days roaming the state's vast forests, tundras and river valleys.

These massive animals can weigh up to 360kg and grown as tall as 1.5 metres at the shoulder – although they usually average more like 1m. When standing on their hind legs, the very largest grizzly bear males can reach almost 2.7m – that's taller than the average ceiling in a UK house.

During mating season, males engage in fierce battles over females, rearing up, roaring and clashing with powerful swipes of their claws, sometimes sustaining deep wounds. These fights establish dominance, with the strongest winning the right to mate. Surprisingly, grizzlies can remember rivals for years, avoiding unnecessary future conflicts.

Here, two males are seen colliding over a female grizzly bear in Denali National Park and Preserve in Interior Alaska.

Watch what happens when two grizzly bears collide/Getty

Main image: grizzly bears fighting in Denali National Park and Preserve, Alaska/Getty

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