Alaska brown bears (also known as coastal brown bears) are the same species as the grizzly bear, which is found inland. The Alaska brown bears are larger, due to their rich seafood diet. The Alaska brown bears are very much larger than their smaller cousins, the black bear, as can be seen by this photo comparing the two bear claws.
On the small Cruise West Spirit of Yorktown cruise ship, we were able to get very close to this momma bear and her two cubs. (see the next photo) We watched the three bears for over 30 minutes and never disturbed them!