Disclaimer: Fact sheets on prehistoric (extinct) species contain archived content and are no longer being updated. At the time of publication, these pages summarized the best available science. However, some content may become outdated as scientists report new discoveries.
| Taxonomy | Physical Characteristics |
|---|---|
|
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Ursidae Subfamily: Tremarctinae Genus: Arctodus Species: Arctodus simus - short-faced bear |
Body weight for Arctodus simus: Much variation in body mass estimates in literature (due in part to extreme sexual dimorphism in these bears and lack of large numbers of Arctodus to measure); new estimates of 388 kg (855 lb) (female?) to around 1,000 kg (2,205 lb) (male?) Shoulder height for A. simus: 1.6 m (5.25 ft) Tail length: vestigial Pelage: unknown |
| Distribution & Status | Behavior & Ecology |
|
Range: Habitat: Status: Extinct by 10,000 years ago |
Locomotion: Pacing gait with long legs; feet face forwards so doesn't waddle or walk "pigeon-toed" like other bears. Social Groups: presumed solitary except female with cubs Diet: As an adaptable omnivore, ate plants, scavenged carcasses and may have killed prey too. Predators: none known on this giant bear |
| Reproduction & Development | Species Highlights |
|
Birthing: Females occupied dens Longevity: Unknown |
Feature Facts: Arctodus is variously described as a hyper carnivore, a specialized scavenger, and an omnivore. A new comprehensive, comparative study of 411 individuals of 57 species of living bears, dogs, cats and hyaenas and fossil Arctodus (Figueirido et al 2010) favors an omnivorous lifestyle, similar to that of Alaskan Brown Bears today. |
© 2007 San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
How to cite: Extinct Short-faced Bear (Actodus spp.) Fact Sheet. c2007. San Diego (CA): San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance; [accessed YYYY Mmm dd]. http://ielc.libguides.com/sdzg/factsheets/ extinctshort-facedbear.
(note: replace YYYY Mmm dd with date accessed, e.g., 2015 Sep 10)
Disclaimer: Although San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance makes every attempt to provide accurate information, some of the facts provided may become outdated or replaced by new research findings. Questions and comments may be addressed to library@sdzwa.org.
