Pizzlies are hybrids born from the interbreeding of grizzlies (Ursus arctos horribilis) and polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Although rare today, some scientists believe that these animals may become more common due to climate change affecting habitats in the northernmost parts of the planet.
Polar bears are significantly larger than grizzlies: adult males weigh about 800 kilograms and are 3 metres tall when standing on their hind legs. In comparison, a typical adult male grizzly weighs 200-300 kilograms. Another visible difference is the polar bear’s lighter coloured fur and longer skull and muzzle.
According to journalist Gloria Dickey, pizzle bears usually look like white or blond-haired grizzly bears. They have plate-shaped muzzles and long claws, and brownish spots are found on their white pelts.
The existence of the pizzly was not confirmed until 2006, when one of the individuals was shot by a hunter in Canada. DNA analysis confirmed the hybrid origin of the animal.
Over the past five years, scientists have documented cases of second-generation hybrids (e.g., offspring of the pizzly and grizzly). A stuffed bear that researchers have identified as 3/4 grizzly and 1/4 polar bear can be seen at Ulukhaktok Airport in northwestern Canada.
Although the two species are closely related on the family tree – they are separated by only 500,000 years of evolution – the evidence of interbreeding is quite surprising, as polar bears and grizzlies often have a hostile, competitive relationship.
