The consensus from multiple sources is that a grizzly bear would likely win in a fight against a gorilla, primarily due to its larger size, greater durability, and lethal claws and bite force. Key points supporting the grizzly bear's advantage:
- Grizzly bears are significantly larger and heavier than gorillas, often around twice the weight, which gives them a substantial physical advantage
- Bears have thick fur and loose skin that makes it difficult for opponents to inflict deep wounds, whereas gorillas bleed more easily from cuts
- Grizzlies possess powerful claws and a strong bite force that can easily rip flesh and cause fatal injuries quickly
- Bears have more experience in deadly combat with other animals, being natural hunters, while gorillas are primarily herbivores and less experienced in such fights
- The bear's height and reach allow it to strike vital areas like the neck and chest more effectively
Points acknowledging the gorilla's strengths:
- Gorillas have incredible muscle strength, estimated to be 4-9 times stronger than a human, and can lift close to ten times their body weight, which is more than a bear relative to its size
- Gorillas have greater agility, manual dexterity, and a lower center of gravity, which could help them avoid some attacks and deliver powerful blows
- A gorilla could potentially inflict serious damage if it manages to land a killing blow early, using its strong arms and bite force
Overall assessment: While gorillas are extremely strong and agile, the grizzly bear's size, weaponry (claws and teeth), tougher skin, and combat experience overwhelmingly favor the bear in a direct confrontation. Most experts and analyses conclude that the grizzly bear would win the fight in nearly all realistic scenarios
. Thus, the grizzly bear is the likely winner in a fight between a bear and a gorilla.
