Bears (Family Ursidae)

Bears are mammals of the Family Ursidae. Bears are classified as
caniforms, or doglike carnivorans, with the pinnipeds being their
closest living relatives. Although there are only eight living species
of bear, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats
throughout the Northern Hemisphere and partially in the Southern
Hemisphere. Bears are found in the continents of North America,
South America, Europe, and Asia.

Common characteristics of modern bears include a large body with
stocky legs, a long snout, shaggy hair, plantigrade paws with five
nonretractile claws, and a short tail. While the polar bear is mostly
carnivorous and the giant panda feeds almost entirely on bamboo,
the remaining six species are omnivorous, with largely varied diets
including both plants and animals.

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