- Found in North America and Eurasia.
- Live in forests, mountains, and tundra.
2. Diet
- Omnivores.
- Feed on plants (berries, fruits, nuts, grasses), insects, fish, and mammals (deer, moose, elk).
3. Physical Characteristics
- Size varies by region.
- Stand 2.4 - 3.05 m (7.9 - 10 ft) tall at the shoulder.
- Weigh 136 - 454 kg (300 - 1,000 lbs)
- Have broad heads, muscular bodies, and long, sharp claws.
- Fur color varies from light brown to dark brown, black, or reddish-brown.
4. Behavior
- Solitary animals except during mating season.
- Active during the day and night.
- Spend a significant amount of time resting and sleeping.
- Excellent climbers and swimmers.
- Hibernate during the winter in some regions.
5. Mating and Reproduction
- Reach sexual maturity at 3-5 years old.
- Mating season occurs in spring or early summer.
- Females give birth to 2-3 cubs every 2-4 years.
- Cubs are born blind and helpless and weigh only 227-454 g (8-16 oz).
- Stay with their mothers for 2-3 years.
6. Threats and Conservation
- Main threats include habitat loss, hunting, and poaching.
- Listed as "Least Concern" by the IUCN but some subspecies are considered endangered or vulnerable.
- Conservation efforts focus on protecting habitats and reducing human-bear conflicts.