Brown Bear
Ursus arctos
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Carnivora · Ursidae
About
The brown bear is a large bear native to Eurasia and North America. Of the land carnivorans, it is rivaled in size only by its closest relative, the polar bear, which is much less variable in size and slightly bigger on average. The brown bear is a sexually dimorphic species, as adult males are larger and more compactly built than females. The fur ranges in color from cream to reddish to dark brown. It has evolved large hump muscles, unique among bears, and paws up to 21 cm (8.3 in) wide and 36 cm (14 in) long, to effectively dig through dirt. Its teeth are similar to those of other bears and reflect its dietary plasticity.
Fun Fact
Brown bears can smell a carcass from 30 km away and eat up to 40 kg of food per day before hibernation — during their winter sleep, they don't eat, drink, urinate, or defecate for up to seven months.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Forests and alpine meadows
Diet
Omnivore
Lifespan
20-30 years
Threats
- Habitat Fragmentation
- Illegal Logging