Brown bear - Ursus arctos
Desricption:
Brown bears, as well as polar bears, are the largest of the eight bear species, have large, plantigrade (flat) feet, and five very long claws on their front paws, which aid them in digging.Brown bears may be almost black or a very light beige; a few are pure white, and the interior bear is a deep, chocolate brown with silver or grizzled tips on the long guard hairs.
Brown bears were long the dominant species in North America. They developed behaviours and reproductive limits to control their numbers, and they do not have their first young before from five to seven years of age. Two cubs are a normal litter, and females leave three to four years between litters.
They can reproduce until almost 30 years of age, but few survive beyond 20, leaving females barely able to replace themselves in a population.
Brown bears make an unbelievable roar when injured, but they normally warn other bears and people with "huffing"; chomping or clacking sounds made with their teeth.
They almost always avoid dangerous encounters with people. In most of their range, brown bears are relatively secure, but habitat losses threaten rapid change.
Environment:
Brown bears generally inhabit open areas, including the plains and the tundra.Food:
When active, they eat enormous amounts of fish, berries, and succulent plants, sometimes consuming 40 kg (90 lb) of food per day.Problem:
In most of their range, brown bears are relatively secure, but habitat losses threaten rapid change. Bears are also hunted for sport.Solution:
Bears are now protected in most states. Though bears are still hunted by licensed game hunters. And parts of their habitat are now also protected.
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