Largest Bear Species on Record
The largest bear species is the polar bear, with males often exceeding 450 kg (990 lb). The heaviest verified polar bear killed weighed about 1,002 kg (2,209 lb), according to U.S. National Park Service records. Brown bears, including Kodiak and Alaskan grizzly bears, can also reach very large sizes, typically 300 to 680 kg (660 to 1,500 lb).
Confirmed Largest Bear Killed
The largest bear killed with a confirmed record is a polar bear taken in Alaska in 1960. The skull and hide were measured and certified by Boone and Crockett Club officials. The bear weighed approximately 1,002 kg (2,209 lb), making it the heaviest verified polar bear harvest on record.
Hunting Regulations and Conservation
Legal hunting of polar bears is tightly regulated under international agreements and national laws. In the United States, the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act restrict polar bear hunting to Alaska Native communities for subsistence purposes. State and federal agencies monitor harvest numbers, record measurements, and enforce strict reporting requirements to ensure compliance with conservation goals.
