8 bear facts you probably didn’t know (but will definitely want to share)

We’ve pulled together some of our favourite bear facts to help you get to know them a little better:

Bears have a sense of smell that’s off the charts

When it comes to sniffing things out, bears are in a league of their own. Some species can smell food over 20 miles away. That’s better than most dogs – and considering how much ground a bear covers in the wild, it's a pretty handy superpower to have.

Not all bear species hibernate

Some bears bed down for winter but not every bear goes into full hibernation. In warmer climates, like where Asiatic black bears live, some might stay active all year – especially if they’ve got a steady food supply. Others, like polar bears, don’t hibernate at all, however if they’re pregnant they will den, which is similar to hibernation.

Asiatic black bears are brilliant climbers

Also known as moon bears (because of the crescent shape on their chest), Asiatic black bears in particular are expert climbers. In the wild, they’ll often escape up into the trees to rest, eat, or stay safe. Sadly, thousands of these incredible animals are still locked up in bear bile farms, denied the chance to live natural lives.

Bears are faster than they look

They might seem slow and steady, but bears can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. That’s faster than most people expect – and definitely not something you want to test in the wild. Safe to say, a sprint race with a grizzly, for example, wouldn’t end well.

Bear bites are no joke

A grizzly bear has one of the most powerful bites in the animal kingdom – strong enough to crush a bowling ball. That jaw strength helps with everything from cracking bones to foraging for nuts. Impressive, but also a reminder of why bears deserve respect and space.

Bears are naturally shy

Despite their reputation, most bears aren’t aggressive at all, they’re just cautious. They’ll usually go out of their way to avoid humans, and only lash out when they feel threatened or are protecting their cubs. Learning to respect bears and not disturb them in their natural habitat is really important.

Every bear has its own personality

If you’ve ever followed news about the rescued bears in some of our partner sanctuaries, you’ll know they each have their own quirks. Some are curious and playful, others are more reserved. Just like us, their personalities are shaped by their past experiences – especially if they’ve come from cruelty or captivity.

Bears still need our protection

Whether it's being exploited for their bile or being forced to perform for tourists, too many bears around the world are still suffering. That’s why we're fighting to end the use of bears in entertainment and traditional medicine – bears are sentient, sensitive beings and belong in their natural habitat. Not on a chain or in a cage.