Description
Bears are large, omnivorous mammals with massive paws and bulky
shoulders. When standing on four legs they measure roughly four feet at
the shoulder, but when standing on their hind legs bears can reach over
seven feet in height. Mature bears weigh close to eight hundred pounds,
but older male bears often weigh well over a ton. They have thick coats
of shaggy fur ranging in color from a light blonde or white through
varying shades of brown and black. Bears have blocky heads with large
muzzles filled with sharp teeth. They have poor eyesight, relying
heavily on their superior sense of smell to identify food and threats.
Their claws, which they use for hunting, digging, and marking, can reach
over two inches in length.
Habitat
Bears are one of the most adaptable species and can be found in nearly
every part of TerVarus. They are most common in the temperate northern
forests and arctic regions as well as mountains, though subspecies can
be found in the southern regions.
Behavior
Bears are diurnal creatures who are most active during the day and rest
during the night. They often make their homes in caves or large hollows
they dig in the soil beneath trees or boulders. Bears are solitary
creatures, often claiming and defending territory from one another.
Females breed every three to four years and have litters of one to four
cubs. Though they are large and powerful creatures, bears are rarely
aggressive unless they are hungry or feel threatened.
During the cold winter months of the northern territories when food is scarce, bears will often hibernate through the worst of the weather, rarely waking unless disturbed. Bears are particularly dangerous during early spring as they emerge from their dens, as they are in a severe state of starvation.
Diet
All bears are opportunistic omnivores, eating whatever food they come
across, including carrion. They require massive amounts of food and eat
constantly during their waking hours. Bears are one of the few
terrestrial species to feed upon aquatic life and are capable of fishing
using their massive paws. Bears have been known to eat humans if given
the opportunity.
Predation
Adult bears have few natural predators, though cubs have been attacked
and killed by larger predators. Humans often hunt bears for their heavy
pelts and for their meat, which is described as rich and succulent.
Humans are also known to kill bears if they feel their property and
livestock are at risk of predation by the creatures.