Hobbies And Interests
Black Bear
Black bears are one of the most common species of bear, and the most likely species of bear to see in most areas of North America. They are medium in size when compared to other bears, and, as the name implies, have black fur. Black bears are excellent tree climbers, especially when young, and are also shy and easy to scare. They have a varied diet that includes insects, berries, seeds, fish and human garbage.
Polar Bear
Polar bears are one of the more unusual species of bears, and another of the three bears found on the North American continent. They are unusual both for their white color, but also for the reason they have white fur, which is that they reside far north, in the arctic. The white fur helps to camouflage them in the unforgiving environment. Polar bears can be extremely large, as much as 1000 pounds, and are dangerous to humans. They are also excellent swimmers, and do not spend much time on solid land.
Grizzly Bear
The grizzly bear, also known as the brown bear, is the largest predator in the western United States, though there is evidence that they were once also at home on the plains of west and central North America. Habitat encroachment by humans, however, has forced the grizzly to confine itself to more mountainous regions. Grizzlies have a reputation as being more aggressive than other species of bear.
Giant Panda
The giant panda is not found in North America, but is probably the most famous bear species. One is the unique appearance of the panda. It has a mixture of white and black fur, with distinctive black patches around the eyes as well as black ears. Another reason for its fame is its diet, which consists almost entirely of bamboo. Pandas are also endangered, and it is estimated that there are only 1,600 left in the wild in China, where the panda bear makes its home.
Spectacled Bear
The spectacled bear is one of several bears that makes its home south of the equator. In the case of the spectacled bear, home is the Andes range of South America. It gets its name from the unusual coloring around its eyes, which often gives the appearance of spectacles. Spectacled bears eat a variety of both plants and animals.
Sun Bear
Sun bears are found throughout southeast Asia, though the exact extent of their range is not known. Another common name for the sun bear is dog bear, because of its relative small size, short hair and long tongue. Like most bears, the sun bear eats a variety of plant life as well as small animals and insects.
Sloth Bear
Sloth bears are found on the Indian subcontinent as well as nearby countries. They have shaggy, black coats and long curved claws that resemble the distinctive claws of a sloth. The claws are used to help the sloth bear forage for one of the staples of its diet, which are small insects such as termites and ants.
Asian Black Bear
The Asian black bear closely resembles the black bear in North America. The main difference between the two species is more pronounced ears on the Asian black bear, as well as a white or cream colored "V" on its chest. They are found in south Asia, as far west as Afghanistan and east to Vietnam. They are also found in southeast Russia and several of the Japanese islands.