Some of the world's most beloved creatures, bears have been celebrated in art, pop culture, and storytelling lore for centuries. Considered animals to fear, respect, and dream of cuddling, bears have made an impression on human culture that still remains powerful today.
There are eight different types of bears: polar bears, American black bears, sun bears, panda bears, Asian black bears, brown bears, sloth bears, and spectacled bears. Most bears share common physical traits that make them recognizable - thick, stocky legs, narrow snouts, short tails, long, fuzzy fur.
Known to be anti-social, bears do not move in packs like some other large predators (lions, for example) tend to do. Instead, adult bears are solitary animals that keep to themselves and their own territories. Most bear species hibernate during the winter months, conserving energy and resources when temperatures are coldest and food is scarce.