The She-Bear pictured here is a Kodiak brown bear. The scientific name for this bear is ursus arctos middendorffi. The Kodiak bear is its own unique sub species of brown bear and indigenous to Kodiak Island. The estimated population of Kodiak bears is approximately between 2500-3000. The lifespan of the Kodiak is usually less than 20 years; but can reach 30 years. The oldest known wild Kodiak bear was a 35 year old female where the oldest known male was 27 years old. Mature males can weigh up to 1500 pounds where a mature female will weigh up to 750 pounds though there have been sightings of females believed to be much larger. Females are normally 20 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter than males. All bears have an incredible sense of smell, good vision with the ability to distinguish color and activity in all levels of light and their hearing is good to excellent by human standards. The Mastedon came back with cubs in 2000, be sure to check ShadowCub for pictures of the new arrivals. The Mastedons cubs were on their own as of the summer 2002. The three were doing fine in 2003 and split up in 2004. During the summer of 2005, we spotted one of the females that was very healthy and it appears as though the male may have moved into a more isolated area as we were able to identify him by a unique scar the Mastedon left on his rump when she chased him off in 2002. She hasn't come back with a new litter and is definitely slowing down as she is now well into her 20's. With any luck, we will spot her with cubs in tow this coming summer. Be sure to check back for updated photos and the bears progress. Edna ShadowCub Let's Play!