Top 7 Biggest Bears In The World

In the vast and untamed wilderness of our world, there exist majestic creatures that command awe and respect like no other than the mighty bears. Towering in size and strength, these remarkable beings roam across diverse landscapes, leaving a profound impression on those fortunate enough to witness them in their natural habitats.

From the colossal coastal regions of North America to the remote forests of Eurasia, the world is home to several species of formidable bears, each with unique characteristics and intriguing behaviors.

ADVERT

 

In this exploration, we embark on a journey to uncover the fascinating world of the biggest bears, unraveling the stories of their remarkable lives and the crucial role they play in maintaining the ecological balance of the ecosystems they inhabit.

7. American Black Bear (~340 lb & 5 feet 3" In Height)

Distinguished by its sleek black fur, which can sometimes have a brown or cinnamon hue, the American Black Bear is known for its resourcefulness and versatility in adapting to various habitats. 

While the average adult male black bear typically weighs around 340 pounds and stands about 5 feet 3 inches tall on its hind legs, the biggest black bears have been recorded to exceed these dimensions significantly.

The largest American Black Bears have been reported in certain regions of North America, particularly in parts of Alaska and Canada, where the abundance of food resources allows them to thrive and reach impressive sizes.

They are also skilled climbers and swimmers, allowing them to access various food sources and traverse different terrains with ease.

6. Grizzly Bear (~700 lb & 6 feet 3" In Height)

The Grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), also known as the North American Brown Bear, is a powerful and awe-inspiring species that inhabits parts of North America, from Alaska to western Canada and parts of the contiguous United States.

Grizzly bears are known for their distinctive hump of muscle on their shoulders, a characteristic feature separating them from other brown bear subspecies. They are also recognized by their typically brown fur, though it can range from a light cream to a dark brown, almost black coloration.

Adult male Grizzly bears can weigh approximately 700 pounds on average and 6 feet 3 inches while standing on their hind legs. The diet of these giant Grizzlies is diverse, encompassing fish, small mammals, carrion, roots, berries, and vegetation. 

During the annual salmon runs, they display exceptional fishing skills, relying on their powerful jaws and sharp claws to catch the fish that make up a significant part of their diet.

5. Eurasian Brown Bear (~800 lb & 8 feet 3" In Height)

The Eurasian Brown Bear (Ursus arctos arctos) is one of the largest and most iconic carnivores found in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a subspecies of the brown bear and is distributed across a vast range, encompassing parts of Europe and Asia. 

In remote and relatively untouched habitats, these bears can reach awe-inspiring dimensions, with adult males weighing roughly 800 pounds and 8 feet 3 inches in height on average. One of the most notable populations of the biggest Eurasian Brown Bears is found in the Russian Far East, particularly in the Kamchatka Peninsula and the coastal regions of the Russian Arctic.

ADVERT

The Eurasian Brown Bear's appearance is characterized by its thick fur, which can range in color from light brown to dark brown or even nearly black.

4. Ussuri Brown Bear (~1045 lb & 7 feet 6" In Height)

The Ussuri Brown Bear, also known as the Black Grizzly, is a magnificent and legendary subspecies of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) native to the Russian Far East and parts of Northeast Asia. Scientifically known as Ursus arctos lasiotus, it is one of the largest and most impressive carnivores inhabiting the region.

The Ussuri Brown Bear derives its name from the Ussuri River, which flows through the eastern region of Russia, where the bears are primarily found. One of the defining features of the Ussuri Brown Bear is its dense, jet-black fur, which gives it the appearance of a "black grizzly".

Males of the Old Ussuri Brown Bear can attain remarkable sizes, with some individuals weighing well over 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) and standing more than 2.5 meters (8 feet) tall when on their hind legs.

3. Kamchatka Brown Bear (~1430 lb & 8 feet 10" In Height)

The Kamchatka Brown Bear or also known as the Far Eastern Brown Bear is a majestic and awe-inspiring subspecies of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) native to the remote and rugged landscapes of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's Far East. Scientifically referred to as Ursus arctos beringianus, it is one of the largest and most iconic carnivores inhabiting the region.

Males of the species can grow to immense proportions, with some individuals weighing over 639 kilograms (1,410 pounds) and standing more than 8 feet tall when on their hind legs.

These bears are known for their solitary nature, except during the mating season or when females are raising their cubs. They are skilled foragers, consuming a diverse diet that includes berries, nuts, fish, small mammals, and vegetation.

2. Kodiak Bear (~990 lb & 9 feet 3" In Height)

The Kodiak Bear, also known as the Kodiak Brown Bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi), is an iconic and awe-inspiring subspecies of the brown bear native to the Kodiak Archipelago in Alaska, United States. It is one of the largest and most formidable land-dwelling carnivores on Earth.

Adult male Kodiak bears can weigh around 990 pounds and stand up to 10 feet (3 meters) tall when on their hind legs. They are renowned for their immense size, often outweighing even the largest Siberian tigers and African lions.

ADVERT

Their coat ranges in color from light brown to dark brown, and some individuals may exhibit blonde or cinnamon hues, adding to their diversity and beauty. The Kodiak Bear's diet is varied and includes salmon, berries, grasses, and other vegetation.

1. Polar Bear (~1135 lb & 8 feet 10" In Height)

Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are known to be among the largest species of bears and the most massive terrestrial carnivores on the planet. These magnificent beings are uniquely adapted to survive in the harsh and frigid environments of the Arctic region.

They are masterful swimmers, capable of covering incredible distances across open waters, and rely on sea ice as a platform for hunting seals, their primary prey. These massive individuals can weigh between 450 to 680 kilograms (990 to 1,500 pounds) and stand over 10 feet (3 meters) tall on their hind legs. 

Their powerful and robust physique allows them to endure the Arctic's harsh conditions, where food may be scarce, and temperatures can plummet well below freezing.

Source:

• Loka kita

Also read: Top 7 Biggest Crocodiles In The World