The grizzly bear is basically any North American subspecies of brown bear, including the mainland grizzly, the Kodiak bear, peninsular grizzly, Mexican grizzly, and the recently extinct California grizzly. Every other year the female grizzly bear (sows) produces 1-4 cubs. Sows will attack if she feels her cubs are threatened. They are found in Asia, Europe, and North America, including Alaska and parts of Mexico. They are considered endangered with only about 1,500 bears in the lower 48 states. Hunting is a main threat to these bears. Hunters target older, bigger males. When dominant males are killed it makes room for other males to take over their territory. Often times the new male will kill the offspring of the late male. This will bring females into heat sooner and ensures that his is the only bloodline.