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animal. Amphibian. Frog. Anura. Ranidae. Frog in grass.

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American black bears (Ursus americanus), mother with cub in forest.

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cat. orange and white persian cat with long hair, snarl, growl, teeth

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Spider monkey swinging in a tree. (primate, jungle animal)

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Cleopatra hieroglyphic carving the Ancient Egyptian queen Cleopatra. Wall of the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Egypt.

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bear summary

Learn about the natural history of bears

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Below is the article summary. For the full article, see bear.

Jasper National Park: grizzly bearGrizzly bear in Jasper National Park, western Alberta, Canada.

bear, Generally massive, short-legged mammals constituting the family Ursidae. Bears are the most recently evolved carnivore, found in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Closely related to the dog and the raccoon, most bears climb with ease and are strong swimmers. As a family, they are omnivores, but dietary preferences vary among species (the polar bear feeds mainly on seals, the spectacled bear on vegetation, etc.). Though they do not truly hibernate, bears often sleep fitfully through much of the winter. They live 15–30 years in the wild but much longer in captivity. They have been hunted as trophies, for hides, and for food. See also black bear; brown bear; sun bear.

polar bear Summary

Polar bear, (Ursus maritimus), great white northern bear (family Ursidae) found throughout the Arctic region. The polar bear travels long distances over vast desolate expanses, generally on drifting oceanic ice floes, searching for seals, its primary prey. The polar bear is the largest and most

black bear Summary

Black bear, (Ursus americanus), the most common bear (family Ursidae), found in the forests of North America, including parts of northern Mexico. The American black bear consists of only one species and 16 subspecies. Its colour varies, however, even among members of the same litter. White markings

giant panda Summary

Giant panda, (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), bear with striking black-and-white coloration inhabiting bamboo forests in the mountains of central China. Its coloration, combined with a bulky body and round face, gives it a captivating appearance that has endeared it to people worldwide. According to the

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Banff National Park. Aerial view of Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada. Aerial perspective.

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The impeachment trial of Pres. Andrew Johnson, illustration from Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, March 28, 1868.

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polar bear summary

Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Below is the article summary. For the full article, see polar bear.

Polar bear (Ursus maritimus). — Polar bear (*Ursus maritimus*).

polar bear, White semiaquatic bear (Ursus maritimus) found throughout Arctic regions, generally on drifting oceanic ice floes. A swift, wide-ranging traveler and a good swimmer, it stalks and captures its prey. It primarily eats seal but also fish, seaweed, grass, birds, and caribou. The male weighs 900–1,600 lbs (410–720 kg) and is about 5.3 ft (1.6 m) tall at the shoulder and 7–8 ft (2.2–2.5 m) long. It has a short tail. The hairy soles of its broad feet protect it from the cold and help it move across the ice. Though shy, it is dangerous when confronted.