Bear

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  Quick Facts

  Type: Mammal
• Diet: Carnivore
• Life span: Varies by species, 10-35 years
• Size: Varies with species, up to 2m high
• Weight: Varies, up to 770 kg
• Habitat: Mountains, woodland and even the arctic tundra
• Range: Europe, Asia and the Americas
• Scientific name: Bear species are part of the family Ursidae

  Amazing Facts About the Bear

  • Bears are extraordinarily intelligent animals. They have far superior navigation skills to humans; excellent memories; large brain to body ratio; and use tools in various contexts from play to hunting.
  • Bears grieve deeply for others. Cubs are known to moan and cry when separated from their mothers.  This can go on for weeks if their mothers are killed by hunters.
  • Bears have excellent senses of smell, sight and hearing. They can smell food, cubs, a mate or predators from miles away. Their great eyesight allows them to detect when fruits are ripe.
  • Some species of Asiatic bear build nests in the trees. They can use these for hiding, eating and even sleeping.
  • Bears care deeply about family members. They will risk their lives and even fight to the death in order to save a cub or sibling from danger.

    Bears and Human Culture

    • Bears were often honoured in the cultures of many early civilisations. They were seen as a symbol of power, strength and love.
    • Vikings and the Celts have many legends about the strength, protectiveness and prowess of bears.
    • The bear is a common national personification for Russia (and the former USSR) and Germany. The brown bear is Finland’s national animal.