The Kodiak bear is a subspecies of the brown bear that is native to the Kodiak Archipelago in southwest Alaska. It is the largest of all brown bear species and is often referred to as the Alaskan brown bear or simply the Kodiak. Other synonyms for the Kodiak bear include the Kodiak Island bear, Ursus arctos middendorffi, and the Alaskan grizzly bear. While it is closely related to the grizzly bear, the Kodiak bear has distinct physical characteristics and is considered a separate subspecies. With their massive size and power, Kodiak bears are awe-inspiring creatures that inspire both fear and respect.