What can run 35 mph?

The Surprising Speed of Grizzly Bears

When you picture a grizzly bear, you probably think of a massive, lumbering creature defined by its immense power and heavy frame. However, these apex predators possess an astonishing athletic capability that catches many people off guard.

Over short distances, a grizzly bear can reach top speeds of 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour). That means a grizzly could easily outrun a human sprinter in a short race.

What makes this feat even more fascinating is their physical build. Grizzlies are equipped with long, curved claws. While these claws are fantastic for digging for roots or tearing into logs, they actually make climbing trees quite difficult for adult bears. Yet, those same heavy-duty limbs translate into explosive power when they need to sprint across the ground.