Natural Habitat of the Bear

Each species of bear has a distinct natural habitat. The ideal living conditions for a polar bear, for example, are not the same as those for a grizzly bear.

  1. The Black Bear

    • Black bears inhabit deciduous, coniferous or mixed forests at altitudes between sea level and 10,000 feet above. They're usually found in close proximity to fruit and nut bearing vegetation, but occasionally live in swampland, scrubland and tundra areas.

    The Brown Bear

    • Brown bears, also called grizzly bears, can be found in forests, meadows and some tundra areas. Being omnivorous, they often live near rivers and streams from which they can capture fish. Brown bears were once common in the Great Plains of the United States, but were driven out by hunters and settlers.

    The Polar Bear

    • Polar bears live on sea ice and prefer to dwell near openings in the ice, called leads or polynyas, from which they can produce fish. Some polar bears spend part of the year inland as well, while others become stranded inland permanently.

    The Panda Bear

    • Panda bears live in cold, damp forests with an abundance of bamboo for food and shelter. Typical altitude of panda bear habitats ranges from 4,000 to 11,000 feet above sea level.