A Review of the Ursidae

As anthropomorphic, intelligent and furry creatures, bears have long endeared themselves to human society. Often placed in prestige, they have been regarded as symbols of strength, love and protection by people across the world.

With many predecessors and genetic cousins, the eight extant species have made their homes on mountains, humid jungles, and frigid sheets of ice. Though some individuals appearance may stray from the ordinary mental image of a 'bear', their adaptable and clever nature unite them as one family of apex mammals.

Ursus arctos, translated to bear bear, is a species that stretches from North America across the Bering and all the way to Western Europe.

Interestingly, the 'hibernation' that brown bears are known for is actually a state of torpor, not true hibernation. This species ranges widely in size, color, and habits. Cubs are cared for by their mothers for year long stretches, and in times of plenty and feasting in Autumn, it isn't unusual to see many brown bears fishing side by side.

Adapted uniquely over many generations, Ursus maritimus lives an almost seafaring lifestyle in the Arctic circle. (Arctic coming from the greek word for bear!)

Contrary to other seasonal bears, their 'on' season is the winter, where they hunt seals and any carcass or large animal available for their great size and strength to best. Polar bears are more solitary than other Ursidae, and their mating rituals last days to weeks for each pair to become used to the companionship. Cubs are borne few at a time, and will be raised with their mother for years.

The wide ranging North American bear, Ursus americanus, are as varied and beloved as any bear.

Named 'black bear' by European migrants of the East coast, the coat color varies as the location changes. Cinnamon bears are seen more often on the Central to West US and Canada, sporting a light brown coloring more suited to the open areas. The great majority of their caloric intake comes from plants or insects, varying across the landscapes they have made home.

The only extant bear of South America and descendent of the giant bears of the same continent, Tremarctos ornatus lives in the high elevations of the northwestern countries.

A peaceful, smaller species of bear, the Spectacled bear climbs well and feasts on fruits and other plant matter, with an occasional small animal. With their environment providing habitat and food all year, the Andean bear does not hibernate. Fun fact; if Paddington was really from Peru, he should have been a Spectacled Bear!

Similar in appearance to the American Black Bear, Ursus thibetanus is distinguished by larger ears and a 'blaze' of white on the chest, which gives them the moniker Moon Bear.

A tree loving species, these bears often climb and have well developed arm and shoulder musculature for this purpose. In addition, they are the most bipedal of all modern bears.

Named by explorers for their shaggy, arboreal resemblance to sloths, Melursus ursinus resides in humid forested areas of Northern India.

In a phenomena known among insect eating mammals, the cubs of a Sloth bear will cling to the fur of her back during the day. The dexterous lips are used to efficiently eat termites, ants, and many bugs that cross their path.

Ailuropoda melanoleuca's popularity has increased since it was honored as a symbol of China, and the species has made a spectacular recovery from near extinction.

Lacking natural predators in adulthood, panda's spend long hours of their day eating bamboo and sleeping. Though assumed to be vegetarian by many, pandas can and will eat carrion that they find in their bamboo forests.

Helarctos malayanus is the smallest of the modern bears. They live in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia.

Like other forest dwelling bears and creatures, they enjoy plants and insects, having adapted long claws and incisors to reap these rewards from logs and mounds. In addition, their tongue is the longest of all the bears, grabbing insects they need from their forest surroundings .

As large, omnivorous creatures with large wild range, bears of all species can be observed as a measure of the health of an ecosystem. As the environment changes with humans impact on the world, the research into bears can help scientists discover and safeguard habitats for the benefit of all.

As a family of species that have historically stretched across all continents with the exception of Antartica and Australia, a map of the locations of bears would highlight important regions across the Americas and Eurasia. I have been fascinated with bears for a long time, and I hope that this enthusiasm will help build a stronger support for bear conservation and subsequently the protection of all the world's wild spaces.