| Montana State Animal |
The Grizzly Bear
Secretary of State Jim Waltermire wanted to give Montana school children a lesson in how government works by letting them choose the state's official animal in 1982.When students finally voted, the grizzly bear won by a 2-1 margin over the runner-up, the elk.
"It has historic significance. Lewis and Clark made numerous references to grizzly spottings and episodes in their journals."
On April 7, 1983, Governor Ted Schwinden, wearing a grizzly bear cap, signed the bill into law designating the grizzly bear (Ursus Arctos Horribilis) as the official animal of the state of Montana.
Also the official mascot of the University of Montana in Missoula, the grizzly is usually brownish in color with silver tips on the hairs. Adults may grow to be eight feet in length and may weigh up to 1,000 pounds.
Special Acknowledgements to: Montana Historical Society, Rex C. Meyers and Norma B. Ashby
Courtesy of State of Montana
