Bears have captured the hearts of many over the years, etching their way into childhood memories of teddy companions and timeless characters such as Winnie the Pooh and Yogi Bear.
Their powerful physical presence is instantly recognisable, making them potent symbols in mythology and various cultures.
A bear standing in the forest at the World Animal Protection funded sanctuary, Zarnesti, Romania. Credit: World Animal Protection
Comprising of eight unique species and living in parts of America, Asia, Europe, the Arctic and the Middle East, this large mammal has become subject to an array of exploitation including bear baiting, bear bile farming and bear dancing. We have been helping to protect them from this cruelty with your support for over 25 years.
1. Catch Me If You Can
Samy walks through his enclosure at the Zarnesti Sanctuary, Romania. Credit Asociatia Milioane De Prieteni
Adult bears can run up to an incredible 40mph, which is the same pace as a greyhound and breaking the speed limit on many roads in the UK.
2. Double Up
Bhoori walks around Balkasar Sanctuary, in Pakistan. Credit: World Animal Protection
The characteristic shaggy appearance of bears is made up of two unique layers, one of short fur and one of long fur. The short hair layer is designed to keep them warm, whilst the longer layer prevents water from reaching the short hair layer and skin.
3. Biting Power
Two grizzly bears play-fighting, Alaska, USA. Credit: World Animal Protection Sarah Pickering
Grizzly bears possess a biting force of over 1200 PSI, which is enough to crush a bowling ball. When this factor is combined with a mouth gape of 30 centimetres, with 5 centimetre canines, the grizzly bear proves itself to be a formidable opponent in the wild.
4. Take Your Pick
Sohrab at Balkasar Sanctuary in Pakistan. Credit: World Animal Protection
There are currently 8 distinct species of bear: North American Black Bears, Brown Bears, Polar Bears, Asiatic Black Bears, Andean Bears, Panda Bears, Sloth Bears and Sun Bears. Each one of these species is recognisable by their size, markings and characteristics.
5. Scent of the Wild
Grizzly bears. Credit World Animal Protection Claire Bass
Known scientifically as the North American Brown Bear, the grizzly bear got its name from its grizzled fur (shiny and shimmery at the tips). These bears stink in the wild, as they roll around in anything rotting they find to camouflage their scent when sneaking up on prey.
6. One Small Step…
Bears at Libearty Sanctuary. Credit World Animal Protection
Bears can walk a short distance on their hind legs, which has led some Native Americans to refer to them as ‘the beasts that walk like man’. It is this ability that is cruelly exploited in bear dancing, as they are able to shuffle in a way that looks entertaining.
7. IQ
Bear at Libearty Sanctuary. Credit World Animal Protection
Wildlife experts consider bears to be one of the most intelligent land animals in North America. They have the largest and most complex brains in comparison to other land mammals their size and they are even known to cover their tracks to conceal themselves against hunters.
8. Fussy Eaters
Bears feeding at Libearty Sanctuary. Credit World Animal Protection
Only the polar bear is a full carnivore, whilst the other 7 bear species are omnivores. Across the bear kingdom, diet can differ dramatically. Polar bears eat mainly seals, whilst 99% of the panda bear diet is made up of bamboo.
9. Biggest of the Bunch
Polar bear. Credit World Animal Protection
Polar bears hold the title of the largest species of bear, on all fours that are an average of 3.5 to 5 feet, whilst standing on their hind legs they can be as big as 10 feet. They are around 7.25 to 8 foot in length and weigh around 775 to 1,200 lbs (male) / 330 to 650 lbs (female).
10. They Need Your Help
Dancing bear. Credit World Animal Protection Yasir Nisar
Around the world, the intelligence and biology of bears are routinely abused in the form of bear baiting, bear bile farming and bear dancing. We are working to end this abuse once and for all, but we can’t do it alone.