BEAR, originally the European brown bear (Ursus arctus), but extended to include all members of the family Ursidae (see CARNIVORA). Bears are characterized by their massive bodies, short limbs and very short tails ; they are omnivorous and are particularly fond of honey ; the grizzly bear (U. horribilis) and the polar bear (Thalarctos maritimus), however, are largely car nivorous. The five toes are provided with large, non-retractile claws, with which most species can climb well, though slowly. In northern countries the animals hibernate in the winter, hav ing grown very fat during the autumn.
The brown bear (U. arctus) is found over the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere from Spain to Japan, though extirpated in Britain before the end of the i I th century. It is the commonest species in captivity and can be trained to "dance" to music. A large race inhabits Alaska.
The grizzly bear (U. horribilis) exceeds all other American mammals in strength and ferocity. Unlike the brown bear, the flesh is uneatable. Except in the great national parks, where it is strictly preserved, this bear is now rare.
The American black bear (U. americanus) is a woodland and largely vegetarian animal. Its valuable fur has led to a big reduction in the numbers of this timid and inoffensive beast. The Himalayan black bear (U. torquatus) ranges from the Per sian frontier to Assam. It has a white horseshoe-mark on the chest, and is more carnivorous.
The small bruang or Malay bear (U. malayanus) lives largely on honey. The spectacled bear (U. ornatus) inhabits the Andes. The sloth bear (Melursus labi atus) lacks one pair of upper in cisors. It is also called the honey bear, and is the species usually exhibited by Indian jugglers.
The polar bear (Th. maritimus) is distinguished by its white fur and the stiff bristles on its feet. It is a very active animal, feeding on seals, walruses, fish and dead animals. The female brings forth her young in a chamber in the snow. This bear is confined to the Arctic.
The great cave bear (U. spelaeus) of the glacial epoch was bigger than any living species. Its remains have been found in Central Europe and Asia. An allied species (U. priscus) in habited Britain. Bears first occur fossilized in the Pliocene.