Bears

Bears are carnivoran mammals widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere and partially in the Southern Hemisphere. Bears are found on the continents of North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. With the exception of courting individuals and mothers with their young, bears are typically solitary animals. They may be diurnal or nocturnal and have an excellent sense of smell. Despite their heavy build and awkward gait, they are adept runners, climbers, and swimmers. Bears use shelters, such as caves and logs, as their dens and most species occupy their dens during the winter for a long period of hibernation, up to 100 days. While the Polar bear is mostly carnivorous, and the Giant panda feeds almost entirely on bamboo, the remaining six species are omnivorous with varied diets. With their acute sense of smell, bears can locate carcasses from several kilometers away. They use olfaction to locate other foods, encounter mates, avoid rivals and recognize their cubs. Bears have been hunted since prehistoric times for their meat and fur, they have been used for bear-baiting and other forms of entertainment, such as being made to dance. With their powerful physical presence, they play a prominent role in the arts, mythology, and other cultural aspects of various human societies. In modern times, bears have come under pressure through encroachment on their habitats and illegal trade in bear parts, including the Asian bile bear market.