Amazing bears from around the world.

1) Giant Panda

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Known for their distinctive black and white markings and teddy bear looks Pandas are found in the wild today in a few mountainous areas in central China. It is estimated that up to 3,000 pandas live in the wild today. It is a highly threatened and endangered species. Panda diets consist 99% of bamboo and they eat up to 40 pounds of it per day. About the size of American black bears, Pandas can weigh up to 250 lbs. They generally live 20 to 30 years. Pandas do not hibernate.

2) Spectacled Bear

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The only bear native to South America, the spectacled bear has black or brown fur and cream colored distinctive markings around its face and neck which gives the bear its name as some of them appear to be wearing glasses or spectacles. They live primarily in the Andes Mountains and surrounding mountain areas and are considered a vulnerable wildlife species today. They can grow as large as 5 or 6 feet long and weigh up to 350 lbs. They are excellent tree climbers and have been known to climb the highest of trees. They can live into their 30’s and do not hibernate.

3) Grizzly Bear

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A member of the brown bear species named for their grizzled or frosted coats of fur. Found primarily in Alaska, Western Canada and parts of the lower 48 United States. They are considered threatened only in the lower 48 states. Grizzly bears can stand over 10 feet tall on their hind legs and weigh over 1,000 lbs. They are massive creatures and will kill humans for food. They can live to be over 50 years of age and they do hibernate in winter. You do not want to meet one of these guys while out for a hike on a lonely trail while camping.

4) Kodiak Bear

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Found primarily in the Kodiak Archipelago of islands in Alaska, Kodiak bears are another species of brown bear. They are also the largest of the brown bears and grow as big as polar bears. Kodiak bears and Polar bears are the largest bears in the world. Kodiaks can grow up to 12 feet tall while standing and weigh up to 1,400 lbs. It is believed there are around 3,500 Kodiaks living in the wild. Kodiak bears do hibernate and do kill humans on occasion.

5) American Black Bear

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Found throughout most of North America the black bear is not considered a threatened species at all today except in rare instances. In New Jersey, the most densely populated state in the United States, black bear encounters are not rare and residents of the state vehemently debate whether to hold bear hunts on a yearly basis. Each year the state denies a bear hunt the number of incidents with black bears increases. They eat livestock and any family pets they can. Black bears have killed 15 humans since 2000 in North America. Black bears can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 650 lbs. Black bears can live up to 30 years and they do hibernate.

6) Polar Bear

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Rivals the Kodiak bear as the world’s biggest bear. Polar bears are found across the frozen top of the Northern Hemisphere and as far south as the Hudson Bay in Canada. They have a beautiful thick white coat of fur which hunters have long prized. Polar bears will scream when shot. While global warming has effected their habitat there are over 25,000 polar bears in the wild today and they are not considered endangered but are listed as a vulnerable species. They live primarily on seals they hunt through the ice but will also hunt and eat beluga whales and walruses and any human garbage they can find. Polar bears can grow to over 10 feet tall on hind legs and weigh up to 1,500 lbs. Except for when a female is giving birth polar bears do not hibernate. They can live to be up to 40 years old. Reportedly they will travel from Alaska to Siberia and back on ice floes and are tremendous swimmers.

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7) Asiatic Black Bear

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Found throughout parts of Asia, the asiatic black bear has a distinctive white or cream colored “V” on its chest. They can grow from 4 to 6 feet in length and weigh up to 500 lbs. The asiatic black bear is listed as a vulnerable species. They are an aggressive species of bear and will attack and kill humans. They will hibernate but also they migrate to warmer areas in the winter. Can sometimes be found in panda bear areas and will eat bamboo. This close relative of the American black bear can live up to 30 years.

Sloth Bear

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Found in the lowland forests of India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Sloth bears have shaggy, dusty-black coats, pale, short-haired muzzles, and long, curved claws that they use to excavate ants and termites. They can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh slightly over 300 lbs. The sloth bear is a vulnerable species. They are primarily nocturnal animals and do not hibernate. Sloth bears will attack and kill humans. They are the only bear to carry their young on their backs and can live up to 40 years.

9) Sun Bear

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Found primarily in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. The sun bears coat is glossy black and less than a half-inch long with gold, orange, or whitish “U” marks on the chest which gives the sun bear its name. The smallest of the bear family, sun bears can grow up to 5 feet long and weigh up to 150 lbs. They are considered a vulnerable species today. The sun bear does not hibernate and lives up to 25 years.

10) Teddy Bear

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Named after Theodore Roosevelt who refused to shoot a cornered and defenseless black bear on a hunting trip. The scene was turned into a political cartoon which was seen by Morris Michtom who created a stuffed bear and put it into the window of his toy store with a sign reading “Teddy’s bear” after receiving permission from Roosevelt to use his name. Teddy bears today are found all over the world primarily in bedrooms and are not considered endangered at all. They do not hibernate but can be found sleeping next to people, especially children, but also many adults. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors and are usually soft and cuddly and are frequently given as gifts. They do not eat humans and can survive for many years if well taken care of.

11) Chicago Bears

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Found primarily in the Chicago, Illinois area they are also known to travel to other major cities on Sundays and occasionally on Monday nights. They have been around since 1921. They are not considered endangered though they will not win a Super Bowl until they solve their quarterback problem. Also known as “Da Bears”, they have a rabid following of fans called Chicago Bear Fans. Chicago Bears do not eat humans but their fans are known for their ability to eat large quantities of grilled meat and to drink large quantities of alcohol, especially beer, while hanging out in a parking lot near Soldier Field in Chicago on Lake Shore Drive mainly on Sundays in the Fall. Chicago Bears do hibernate from January through June though their weary fans never seem to sleep.

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Hope you enjoyed meeting the 11 different amazing species of bears from around the world.