As with the Alaska brown bear, the Kamchatka brown bear grows large because of its abundant and protein-rich diet of spawning salmon and other anadromous fish in the coastal rivers, and from the comparatively mild climate that permits a shorter period of hibernation. It is a very large, dark bear with a large, massive skull. The forehead is broad and rather steeply elevated over the relatively short nose. The coat is long, dense and soft. Its color varies from pale yellow to blackish-brown and dull black, but dark individuals predominate. The legs are usually the same color as the body. The claws are dark brown, sometimes with light yellowish streaks at the tips, and are up to four inches (100 mm) in length.