Posted by Ranger Bob (165.83.4.130) on April 12, 2002 at 13:48:42:
In Reply to: digging posted by Millyemom on April 12, 2002 at 08:33:50:
: Just how fast can a grizzly bear dig?
: When they are after a pocket gopher how far do they have to dig to catch one, and how long would it typically take?
: If they have to dig very far, it doesn't seem that one little rodent would be worth all the calories the bear would burn while digging!
Hello MillyeMom,
Thanks for the question. A grizzly is a very fast digger if it is after food. If a grizzly is going after a pocket gopher, typically the chase will start above ground and if the bear is lucky, it will catch it above ground. If not, the bear may start digging. If the bear doesn't catch it right away, it may give up the chase. If it is too difficult, it may just stop. Like you said, the caloric use is too high.