Short-faced Bear
Arctodus simus • "Bear with a Short Face"
Arctodus simus was a large bear that lived in North America during the Ice Age. Its name refers to its short-looking face, and its long limbs gave it a different build from many living bears. The details of its diet and behavior are still debated.
- Length
- ≈3.5 m
- Weight
- ≈0.9 t
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Danger
- ★★★★★
Overview
Arctodus simus was a large bear that lived in North America during the Ice Age. Its name refers to its short-looking face, and its long limbs gave it a different build from many living bears. The details of its diet and behavior are still debated.
“Arctodus remains have been found in caves, including a jaw recovered from deep inside Mammoth Cave in Kentucky.”
Key facts
Strengths
- Adapted to its prehistoric environment
Weaknesses
- Limited fossil evidence for detailed behavior
Natural weapons
- Natural jaws, teeth, or defensive anatomy
Movies vs. science
Myth: Popular media often simplifies prehistoric animal behavior.
Reality: Fossils provide the strongest evidence for anatomy and ecology.
Size & simulator stats
The University of Iowa Museum reports that it could exceed 3.3 m when standing upright. This is an estimated standing height, not shoulder height.
- Length
- 3.5 m
- Height
- 1.8 m
- Weight
- 0.9 t
Illustrative simulator values (not measured biology)
See how Short-faced Bear measures up in the sourced size comparison chart.
Habitat
Pleistocene North America; fossils are known from sites across the continent.
North America; fossils are known from many parts of the continent.
Diet
Its diet is debated. Fossil anatomy alone does not settle whether it was mainly a hunter, scavenger, or flexible omnivore.
Still debated. Studies differ on how much meat and plant food it ate, and diet may have varied by region.
Fossils & discovery
First described from Fossil record (Multiple fossil formations).Arctodus remains have been found in caves, including a jaw recovered from deep inside Mammoth Cave in Kentucky.
Research sources
- University of Iowa Museum of Natural History: Giant short-faced bear
- Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology: Arctodus diet evidence and debate
- Scientific Reports: regional diet evidence for Arctodus
- National Park Service: Fossils at Mammoth Cave
Sources checked on by the Dinosaurs Names Editorial Team. Editorial policy
Gallery
Related dinosaurs
Battle Arena
Can anything beat Short-faced Bear?
Send Short-faced Bear into an illustrative matchup against any other species and compare attack, defense, and bite force.
Fight as Short-faced Bear