2 minute read
Bear Facts
by BornFree
There are eight Bear species Found inNorth America, Asia and Europe. South America,
POLAR BEAR
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DESCRIPTION: Weighing over half a tonne, polar bears are the world’s largest carnivores. They have a thick layer of fat and fur to keep them warm, and partially webbed front paws to help them swim through icy waters Estimated population: 26,000 Found: Arctic – in Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Russia and Norway
brown BEAR
DESCRIPTION: With shaggy brown fur, this species is found in more places than any other bear with many subspecies including European brown bear, grizzly and the Kodiak Estimated population: 110,000 Found: North America, Europe and Asia (including Russia)
Spectacled BEAR
DESCRIPTION: Named after the white or yellow rings of fur around their eyes, which make them look like they are wearing glasses Estimated population: 2,500 – 10,000 Found: South America. They are the continent’s only bear
SLOTH BEAR
DESCRIPTION: This nocturnal long-haired bear has a yellowish snout and v-shaped chest marking on otherwise dark fur. They mostly eat insects, including honeybees and termites, but also fruit Estimated population: UP TO 20,000 Found: Indian subcontinent
Bears are threatened by Habitat loss Conflict with people, the effects of Climate change and hunting.
AMERICAN BLACK BEAR
DESCRIPTION: The world’s most common bear species, 1.5m in length, with short, dark fur and a short tail Estimated population: UP TO 950,000 Found: Forests of North America, including Canada, USA and north Mexico
Moon/Asian Black Bear
DESCRIPTION: Shaggy black fur with a distinctive yellow crescent across their chest, and large ears Estimated population: UP TO 61,000 Found: Indian subcontinent, parts of China, Russia, Korea, Taiwan and Japan
DESCRIP-
GIANT PANDA SUN BEAR
DESCRIPTION: Distinctive black and white markings. They are solitary and mostly eat bamboo
Estimated population: UP TO 1,000 Found: CHINA
DESCRIPTION: Small, shy bears, with a golden or white patch on their chest, that looks like the rising sun Estimated population: UNKNOWN Found: The dense forests of south east Asia
DID YOU KNOW? A Chinese icon, for many years scientists couldn’t agree about whether pandas were bears or large racoons. Molecular studies have proven they are bears!
