Bears | Ursidae

Bears | Ursidae

Description
Description

Bears, members of the family Ursidae, are large mammals known for their robust bodies, shaggy hair, elongated snouts, and strong limbs with non-retractable claws. Inhabiting diverse habitats across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, their range extends from the polar ice caps to temperate forests and Asian mountains. Bears evolved around 38 million years ago, with eight existing species displaying varied diets from the carnivorous polar bear to the largely herbivorous panda. These solitary animals are often apex predators in their environments, playing critical roles in ecosystem dynamics. Despite their strength, many bear species face threats from habitat loss, climate change, and hunting, pushing some towards vulnerability.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Bears are robust creatures with thick fur, ranging from white to brown or black, adapted for insulation. They have strong, stocky legs with five non-retractable claws on each foot, excellent for digging or climbing. Bears walk with a plantigrade stance, meaning they walk on the soles of their feet like humans, allowing for a powerful gait. They don't "speak," but they do communicate through grunts, roars, and body language. Bears have keen senses; they boast exceptional smell, good hearing, and decent eyesight. Their broad skulls house strong jaws with sharp teeth, capable of crushing bones or tearing through tough plant material.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

The relationship between humans and bears is a tapestry of reverence, fear, and coexistence. Historically, bears have been venerated in various cultures, symbolizing strength and wisdom. In modern pop culture, they're featured in narratives from the ferocity of "The Revenant" to the gentleness of Winnie the Pooh. This dichotomy mirrors our real-world interactions, ranging from dangerous encounters to conservation efforts aimed at protecting bear habitats and populations.

Bears often feature in wildlife tourism, attracting enthusiasts eager to witness their majesty in the wild. Globally, initiatives like the International Bear Association work tirelessly to ensure these magnificent creatures continue to thrive.

Common Questions
Common Questions
What do bears eat?

Most species of bears eat plants, berries, insects, or fish as part of their daily diet. What a bear eats is largely dependent on their habitat. For example, a polar bear’s diet is mostly made up of seals, while black and grizzly bears may eat newborn elk, moose, deer, or caribou.

How long do bears live?

The average lifespan of a bear is determined by its species, habitat, natural predators, and hunting by humans. Typically bears in the wild can live between 20 to 30 years and in captivity bears may live up to 50 years.

When do bears hibernate?

Bears get ready to hibernate in late November and will remain in hibernation for about 5 months. During hibernation a bear will receive the necessary nutrients from a layer of fat that was formed during the summer and fall. They typically do not have the need to eat, drink, defecate, or urinate during this period.


Animals

* Under Development *

2’6”-3’5” | .75-1.05 m
4’-6’8” | 1.25-2.1 m
200-600 lb | 90-272 kg
20-25 years (wild); up to 45 years (captivity)
American Black Bear
105.000
210.000
272.000
45.00
10000
GUIDE
3D
American Black Bear
2’5”-3’4” | .71-1.02 m
3’10”-6’6” | 1.2-2 m
90-440 lb | 41-200 kg
25-30 years (wild); up to 35 years (captivity)
Asiatic Black Bear
102.000
200.000
200.000
35.00
14000
GUIDE
3D
Asiatic Black Bear
4’7”-5’7” | 1.4-1.7 m
8’8”-11’6” | 2.7-3.5 m
500-1300 lb | 227-590 kg
Cave Bear
170.000
350.000
590.000
13000
GUIDE
3D
Cave Bear
1’6”-3" | .46-.91 m
4’6”-6’ | 1.37-1.83 m
150-250 lb | 68-114 kg
15-25 (wild); 20-30 years (captivity)
Giant Panda Bear
91.000
183.000
114.000
30.00
307000
GUIDE
3D
Giant Panda Bear
3’-4’6” | .91-1.37 m
5’6”-8’ | 1.68-2.44 m
300-800 lb | 136-363 kg
20-25 years (wild); up to 45 years (captivity)
Grizzly Bear
137.000
244.000
363.000
45.00
102000
GUIDE
3D
Grizzly Bear
3’4”-5’ | 1.02-1.52 m
6’5”-9’ | 1.96-2.74 m
400-1400 lb | 181-635 kg
20-25 years (wild); up to 35 years (captivity)
Kodiak Bear
152.000
274.000
635.000
35.00
39000
GUIDE
3D
Kodiak Bear
2’8”-5’3” | .81-1.6 m
7’10”-9’10” | 2.4-3 m
330-1500 lb | 150-680 kg
20-30 years (wild); up to 45 years (captivity)
Polar Bear
160.000
300.000
680.000
45.00
132000
GUIDE
3D
Polar Bear
4’-6’ | 1.22-1.83 m
6’9”-9’6” | 2.06-2.9 m
650-2200 lb | 295-998 kg
Short-Faced Bear
183.000
290.000
998.000
16700
GUIDE
3D
Short-Faced Bear
2’-3’ | .61-.91 m
5’-6’ | 1.52-1.85 m
120-320 lb | 54-145 kg
20 years (wild); up to 40 years (captivity)
Sloth Bear
91.000
185.000
145.000
40.00
37000
GUIDE
3D
Sloth Bear
2’-3’ | .61-.91 m
5’-6’ | 1.52-1.85 m
80-440 lb | 36-200 kg
20 years (wild); up to 35 years (captivity)
Spectacled Bear
91.000
185.000
200.000
35.00
17000
GUIDE
3D
Spectacled Bear
2’-2’4” | .61-.71 m
4’-5’ | 1.22-1.52 m
55-155 lb | 25-70 kg
20-25 years (wild); 20-30 years (captivity)
Sun Bear
71.000
152.000
70.000
30.00
49000
GUIDE
3D
Sun Bear
Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Cave Bear to an average human

The Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus) was a bear species that lived in the Pleistocene region of Europe and Asia and died in the Last Glacial Maximums about 24,000 years ago. The Cave Bear had a very wide and dome-skull with a steep forehead. Its sturdy body had long thighs, large frame, and turning paws, which made it the ancestor to the Brown Bear in its skeletal form. The size of Cave Bears was like those of the largest modern bears.

Male Cave Bears had a shoulder height between 5’-5’7” (1.52-1.7 m) and a weight in the range of 750-1300 lb (340-590 kg). The shoulder heights of females was between 4’7”-5’2” (1.4-1.57 m) with weights from 500-550 lb (227-250 kg). The Cave Bear had an overall body length of roughly 8’8”-11’6” (2.7-3.5 m) and giant upright standing height of 10’-11’6” (3.05-3.5 m).

Series of side elevation illustrations of the Cave Bear
The Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus) was a bear species that lived in the Pleistocene region of Europe and Asia and died in the Last Glacial Maximums about 24,000 years ago. The Cave Bear had a very wide and dome-skull with a steep forehead. Its sturdy body had long thighs, large frame, and turning paws.

Male Cave Bears had a shoulder height between 5’-5’7” (1.52-1.7 m) and a weight in the range of 750-1300 lb (340-590 kg). The shoulder heights of females was between 4’7”-5’2” (1.4-1.57 m) with weights from 500-550 lb (227-250 kg). The Cave Bear had an overall body length of roughly 8’8”-11’6” (2.7-3.5 m) and giant upright standing height of 10’-11’6” (3.05-3.5 m).

Series of side elevation illustrations of the Cave Bear
Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus)
Height:
4’7”-5’7” | 1.4-1.7 m
Width:
Length:
8’8”-11’6” | 2.7-3.5 m
Depth:
Standing Height
10’-11’6” | 3.05-3.5 m
Weight:
500-1300 lb | 227-590 kg
Area:

Males:

Height (Shoulder): 5’-5’7” | 1.52-1.7 m

Length: 9’10”-11’6” | 3-3.5 m

Weight: 750-1300 lb | 340-590 kg



Females:

Height (Shoulder): 4’7”-5’2” | 1.4-1.57 m

Length: 8’8”-10’6” | 2.7-3.2 m

Weight: 500-550 lb | 227-250 kg

Scientific Name
Ursus spelaeus
Lifespan

Drawings include:

Cave Bear side elevation (standing), front (standing upright)

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Spectacled Bear | Andean Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Spectacled Bear to an average human

The SpectacledBear (Tremarctos ornatus), also known as an Andean Short-Face Bear, is the last short face bear to remain within the subfamily Tremarctinae in South America. In general, its fur is blackish although it can be jet-black, dark brown, and even reddish. The species-typical markings are beige or ginger, although not all the species have "spectacle" marks on their face and their upper pouch. The Andean Bear is the only South American-born bear and is one of South America's largest carnivorous land, but only 5% of its diet consists of meat.

Male Spectacled Bears have a shoulder height between 2’6”-3’ (.76-.91 m) and a weight in the range of 220-440 lb (100-200 kg). The shoulder heights of females are between 2’-2’6” (.61-.76 m) with weights from 80-180 lb (36-82 kg). The Spectacled Bear has an overall body length of roughly 5’-6’ (1.52-1.85 m), standing height of 5’3”-6’3" (1.6-1.9 m), and a typical lifespan of 20 years in the wild and up to 35 years in captivity.

Set of standing side elevation drawings of the Spectacled Bear (Andean Bear)
The SpectacledBear (Tremarctos ornatus), also known as an Andean Short-Face Bear, is the last short face bear to remain within the subfamily Tremarctinae in South America. In general, its fur is blackish although it can be jet-black, dark brown, and even reddish.

Male Spectacled Bears have a shoulder height between 2’6”-3’ (.76-.91 m) and a weight in the range of 220-440 lb (100-200 kg). The shoulder heights of females are between 2’-2’6” (.61-.76 m) with weights from 80-180 lb (36-82 kg). The Spectacled Bear has an overall body length of roughly 5’-6’ (1.52-1.85 m), standing height of 5’3”-6’3" (1.6-1.9 m), and a typical lifespan of 20 years in the wild and up to 35 years in captivity.

Set of standing side elevation drawings of the Spectacled Bear (Andean Bear)
Spectacled Bear | Andean Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)
Height:
2’-3’ | .61-.91 m
Width:
Length:
5’-6’ | 1.52-1.85 m
Depth:
Standing Height
5’3”-6’3" | 1.6-1.9 m
Weight:
80-440 lb | 36-200 kg
Area:

Males:

Height (Shoulder):
2’6”-3’ | .76-.91 m

Length: 5’6”-6’ | 1.7-1.85 m

Weight: 220-440 lb | 100-200 kg



Females:

Height (Shoulder): 2’-2’6” | .61-.76 m

Length: 5’-5’6” | 1.52-1.68 m

Weight: 80-180 lb | 36-82 kg

Scientific Name
Tremarctos ornatus
Lifespan
20 years (wild); up to 35 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Spectacled Bear side elevation (standing), front (standing), front (standing upright), side (sitting), side (lying down)

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Giant Panda Bear (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Illustration comparing the size of an average Giant Panda Bear to a human person

The Giant Panda, also known simply as panda or panda bear, is a peaceful creature with a distinctive black and white coat which resides primarily in the mountains of Western China. Due to deforestation and habitat loss, the Giant Panda is a conservation reliant species, although as of 2016 the Giant Panda moved from the endangered list to the vulnerable list. Even though the Giant Panda belongs to the Carnivora order, its diet (26 to 84 pounds of food daily) is 99% comprised of bamboo shoots. Despite its large size, the Giant Panda is only about the size of a stick of butter, 1/900th of its full size, when it is first born.

Male Giant Panda Bears have a shoulder height between 2’-3’ (.61-.91 m) and a weight in the range of 185-250 lb (84-114 kg). The shoulder heights of females are between 1’6”-2’6” (46-76 cm) with weights from 150-225 lb (68-102 kg). The Giant Panda Bear has an overall body length of roughly 4’6”-6’ (1.37-1.83 m), standing height of 4’8”-6’ (1.42-1.83 m), and a typical lifespan of 15-25 years in the wild, or 20-30 years in captivity.

Collection of drawings of a Giant Panda Bear in various resting positions of sitting or laying down
The Giant Panda, also known simply as panda or panda bear, is a peaceful creature with a distinctive black and white coat which resides primarily in the mountains of Western China. Even though the Giant Panda belongs to the Carnivora order, its diet is 99% comprised of bamboo shoots.

Male Giant Panda Bears have a shoulder height between 2’-3’ (.61-.91 m) and a weight in the range of 185-250 lb (84-114 kg). The shoulder heights of females are between 1’6”-2’6” (46-76 cm) with weights from 150-225 lb (68-102 kg). The Giant Panda Bear has an overall body length of roughly 4’6”-6’ (1.37-1.83 m), standing height of 4’8”-6’ (1.42-1.83 m), and a typical lifespan of 15-25 years in the wild, or 20-30 years in captivity.

Collection of drawings of a Giant Panda Bear in various resting positions of sitting or laying down
Giant Panda Bear (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Height:
1’6”-3" | .46-.91 m
Width:
Length:
4’6”-6’ | 1.37-1.83 m
Depth:
Standing Height
Weight:
150-250 lb | 68-114 kg
Area:

Male:
Height (Shoulder): 2’-3’ | 61-91 cm
Length: 5’-6’ | 152-183 cm
Weight: 175-250 lb | 79-114 kg

Female:
Height (Shoulder):
1’6”-2’6” | 46-76 cm
Length: 4’6”-5’6” | 137-168 cm
Weight (Female):
150-225 lb | 68-102 kg

Scientific Name
Ailuropoda melanoleuca
Lifespan
15-25 (wild); 20-30 years (captivity)

Drawings include:
Giant Panda Bear side elevation (standing), side (woman peace sign), front (standing), front (sitting), back (sitting), side (laying down), side (standing upright)

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Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Sloth Bear compared to an average person

The reclusive Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus), shaggy, dusty and unkempt, lives in the forests in South Asia. Their chest usually has a whitish "V" or "Y" design, and their black coat and a cream-colored snout. Emitting noisy grunts and snorts, the Sloth Bear can often be found walking by itself in search of insects, usually at night since they are lonely-nocturnal animals. In addition to insects, Sloth Bears eat a wide variety of flowers and fruits including mango, fig, and ebony. They also can scale the tree to knock a bee honeycomb, which they can then enjoy on the ground below.

Male Sloth Bears have a shoulder height between 2’6”-3’ (.76-.91 m) and a weight in the range of 200-320 lb (91-145 kg). The shoulder heights of females are between 2’-2’6” (.61-.76 m) with weights from 120-240 lb (54-109 kg). The Sloth Bear has an overall body length of roughly 5’-6’ (1.52-1.85 m), standing height of 5’3”-6’3" (1.6-1.9 m), and a typical lifespan of 20 years in the wild or up to 40 years in captivity.

Pair of illustrated side elevation drawings of the Sloth Bear
The reclusive Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus), shaggy, dusty and unkempt, lives in the forests in South Asia. Their chest usually has a whitish "V" or "Y" design, and their black coat and a cream-colored snout. The Sloth Bear can often be found walking by itself in search of insects or fruits.

Male Sloth Bears have a shoulder height between 2’6”-3’ (.76-.91 m) and a weight in the range of 200-320 lb (91-145 kg). The shoulder heights of females are between 2’-2’6” (.61-.76 m) with weights from 120-240 lb (54-109 kg). The Sloth Bear has an overall body length of roughly 5’-6’ (1.52-1.85 m), standing height of 5’3”-6’3" (1.6-1.9 m), and a typical lifespan of 20 years in the wild or up to 40 years in captivity.

Pair of illustrated side elevation drawings of the Sloth Bear
Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus)
Height:
2’-3’ | .61-.91 m
Width:
Length:
5’-6’ | 1.52-1.85 m
Depth:
Standing Height
5’3”-6’3" | 1.6-1.9 m
Weight:
120-320 lb | 54-145 kg
Area:

Males:

Height (Shoulder):
2’6”-3’ | .76-.91 m

Length: 5’6”-6’ | 1.7-1.85 m

Weight: 200-320 lb | 91-145 kg



Females:

Height (Shoulder): 2’-2’6” | .61-.76 m

Length: 5’-5’6” | 1.52-1.68 m
Weight: 120-240 lb | 54-109 kg

Scientific Name
Melursus ursinus
Lifespan
20 years (wild); up to 40 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Sloth Bear side elevation (standing), front (standing), front (standing upright), side (sitting), side (lying down)

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Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Asiatic Black Bear (Asian Black Bear) compared to an average person

The Asiatic Bear (Ursus Thibetanus), Moon Bear, or Asian Black Bear, is a medium-sized bear species endemic to Asia. Most suited to the Arboreal lifestyle, the Asiatic Bear is a dark-colored bear with a light brown muzzle on the chest which is sometimes shaped like a V and has distinct white patches. Its ears take a bell shape which is considerably longer than those of other bears and hit the head sideways. It lives in the Himalayas of India, the Korean Peninsula, north-east China, East Russia, Japan's Shikoku islands and Taiwan.

Male Asiatic Black Bear have a shoulder height between 2’10”-3’4” (.86-1.02 m) and a weight in the range of 130-440 lb (60-200 kg). The shoulder heights of females are between 2’5”-3’ (.74-.91 m) with weights from 90-275 lb (41-125 kg). Asiatic Black Bears have overall body lengths of roughly 3’10”-6’6” (1.2-2 m), upright standing heights of 5’-5’6” (1.5-1.7 m), and a typical lifespan of 25-30 years in the wild and up to 35 years if protected in captivity.

Set of standing side elevation drawings of the Asiatic Black Bear (Asian Black Bear)
The Asiatic Bear (Ursus Thibetanus), Moon Bear, or Asian Black Bear, is a medium-sized bear species endemic to Asia. Most suited to the Arboreal lifestyle, the Asiatic Bear is a dark-colored bear with a light brown muzzle on the chest which is sometimes shaped like a V with distinct white patches.

Male Asiatic Black Bear have a shoulder height between 2’10”-3’4” (.86-1.02 m) and a weight in the range of 130-440 lb (60-200 kg). The shoulder heights of females are between 2’5”-3’ (.74-.91 m) with weights from 90-275 lb (41-125 kg). Asiatic Black Bears have overall body lengths of roughly 3’10”-6’6” (1.2-2 m), upright standing heights of 5’-5’6” (1.5-1.7 m), and a typical lifespan of 25-30 years in the wild and up to 35 years if protected in captivity.

Set of standing side elevation drawings of the Asiatic Black Bear (Asian Black Bear)
Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus)
Height:
2’5”-3’4” | .71-1.02 m
Width:
Length:
3’10”-6’6” | 1.2-2 m
Depth:
Standing Height
5’-5’6” | 1.5-1.7 m
Weight:
90-440 lb | 41-200 kg
Area:

Males:

Height (Shoulder): 2’10”-3’4” | .86-1.02 m

Length: 4’11”-6’6” | 1.5-2 m

Weight: 130-440 lb | 60-200 kg



Females:

Height (Shoulder): 2’5”-3’ | .74-.91 m

Length: 3’10”-5’3” | 1.2-1.6 m

Weight: 90-275 lb | 41-125 kg

Scientific Name
Ursus thibetanus
Lifespan
25-30 years (wild); up to 35 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Asiatic Black Bear side elevation (standing), front (standing), front (standing upright), side (sitting), side (lying down)

Downloads

2D Downloads

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