BEAR
Meet a Real Bear
Cool Facts:
Bears come in many shapes and sizes! From the giant polar bear to the playful sun bear, there are eight different bear species around the world.
Bears have an incredible sense of smell that helps them sniff out yummy treats from miles away!
Despite their size, bears can be surprisingly good climbers thanks to their strong claws and curved feet.
Where They Live:
Bears live in a variety of habitats depending on the species. Some, like grizzly bears, prefer forests and mountains. Others, like polar bears, live in icy arctic regions. You can find bears in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
Where They Sleep:
Bears are mostly nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they're active at dawn and dusk. During the winter, many bear species hibernate for months. They sleep in dens they prepare beforehand, like caves or holes they dig in the ground.
Home Life and Social:
Most bear species are solitary animals, except for mothers raising their cubs. Momma bears are very protective and teach their cubs how to find food, climb trees, and stay safe. Bears communicate through vocalizations like growls, roars, and huffs, as well as body language.
Friendships:
While bears aren't known for forming deep friendships, some species like brown bears may tolerate each other at feeding grounds, especially during times of plenty.
What They Do for Fun:
Bears love to explore their surroundings! They spend their days foraging for food, swimming in rivers and lakes, and marking their territory. Cubs are especially playful, wrestling, chasing each other, and practicing their climbing skills.
Size of the Animal:
Bears come in all sizes! The polar bear is the largest, while the sun bear is the smallest bear species. They can range from around 3 feet tall at the shoulder for a sun bear to over 8 feet for a polar bear, and weigh anywhere from 100 to 1,500 pounds!
Power Level:
Bears are incredibly strong! Their powerful muscles allow them to dig for food and climb trees. They have sharp claws and teeth.
Life Span:
In the wild, the lifespan of a bear depends on the species and environmental factors. Generally, they can live for 15-30 years. In captivity, with good care and plenty of food, they can live even longer.
First Known to Humans:
Fossil records show bears have been around for millions of years. Early humans likely encountered bears very early on, as these fascinating creatures were widespread across much of the globe.