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| SCIENTIFIC
CLASSIFICATION |
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| COMMON
NAME: |
bears |
| KINGDOM: |
Animalia |
| PHYLUM: |
Chordata |
| CLASS: |
Mammalia |
| ORDER: |
Carnivora |
| FAMILY: |
Ursidae |
| GENUS
SPECIES: |
3
recent genera; 8 species |
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| DESCRIPTION: |
Bears
have large, heavy bodies, massive skulls, short
limbs, five digit paws with well developed curved
claws. They are covered with thick fur and are usually
black, brown or white in color. Some species have
other coloration patterns and markings that distinguish
them from other bears. Capable of walking upright
on hind legs for short distances. |
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| SIZE: |
Head/body
length: 1,000-2,800 mm (3.28-9.19 ft.) |
| Tail
length: 65-210 mm (2.5-8.27in.) |
| MALE |
Males
are approximately 20% larger than females |
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| WEIGHT: |
27-780
kg (59.5- 1720 lb.) |
| MALE |
Males
are approximately 20% larger than females
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| DIET: |
Most
bears are omnivorous with the exception of the polar
bear which is primarily carnivorous |
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| GESTATION: |
Varies,
but delayed implantation extends pregnancy periods
by 6-9 months |
| ESTRAL
PERIOD |
Varies |
| NURSING
DURATION |
Varies |
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| SEXUAL
MATURITY: |
2.5-6
years |
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| LIFE
SPAN: |
15-30
years in the wild |
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| RANGE: |
Throughout most of Eurasia, North America, Atlas Mountains of North Africa and Andes of South America |
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