When people think about grizzly bears they often bring to mind a vicious predator that strikes fear into their hearts. While they can be dangerous, and at times will actively hunt new born deer and elk, few people realize that the bulk of a bear’s diet is typically vegetables!

Grizzly bears are classic omnivores, meaning that they will basically eat any kind of food that is available. In the wild this translates to a lot of time spent browsing various plants and grasses, as well as digging up and eating roots and tubers. It’s simply the most readily available source of calories, of which they need to consume copious amounts. In addition to roots and tubers, they will happily eat any bugs, grubs, and ground squirrels that they dig up along the way.

On this particular day, I came up on two young bears (estimated to be two year olds, likely recently sent off on there own by mom) that were busy eating fresh blooming flowers. New buds and sprouting plants are high in protein and easier to digest than older plants, making them a bear favorite rain or shine. The rain, while not great for my camera gear, made the fur on the bears look perfectly groomed and added a touch of drama to the picture.
Smithsonian Magazine 17th Annual Photo Contest - Picture of the Day & Editor's Pick (July 12, 209)