The phrase suggests a period, hypothetical or real, in which grizzly bears exhibited bipedal locomotion as a primary mode of movement. This concept deviates from the typical quadrupedal gait observed in modern grizzly bears (Ursus arctos horribilis), where they walk on all four limbs but can occasionally stand or walk on their hind legs for short durations.
The notion carries significance within fields like evolutionary biology, paleontology, and even folklore. If evidence suggested a prolonged upright stance in grizzly bear ancestors, it would offer insights into potential environmental pressures or anatomical adaptations that favored bipedalism. Furthermore, the idea may find resonance in indigenous narratives or cultural representations of bears, where upright postures could symbolize human-like qualities or spiritual power.
