(Ursus arctos)
(Ursus americanus)
Bears are carnivoran mammals of the family Ursidae. They are
classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans. Although only eight
species of bears are extant, they are widespread, appearing in a wide
variety of habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere and partially in
the Southern Hemisphere. Bears are found on the continents of North
America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
Common characteristics of modern bears include large bodies with stocky
legs, long snouts, small rounded ears, shaggy hair, plantigrade paws with
five nonretractile claws, and short tails.
