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Who does the brown bear hunt? What does a brown bear eat? Peculiarities of seasonal behavior of polar bears

According to popular belief, polar bears and penguins live where there is a lot of snow and ice. This is true, but although these species prefer extreme conditions, they do not live in the natural environment in one area. Polar bears like the Arctic, and penguins liked Antarctica. Let's take a closer look at where polar bears and penguins live.

Polar bears - habitat and habits

In their natural environment, polar bears live in the subpolar regions of the North Pole. These animals are well adapted to life in the harsh north with extremely low temperatures. Thanks to their impressive reserves of subcutaneous fat and thick fur, polar bears feel comfortable both on land and in icy water. Such a habitat does not prevent large predators from leading a full-fledged lifestyle.

Polar bears live naturally in several countries, including Russia, Greenland, Canada, Alaska and Norway. Large predators do not have a tendency to migrate; they live in a specific area, preferring areas with open water, since fish is the polar bear’s favorite food.

In the summer, due to rising temperatures, polar bears disperse. Some animals are even found at the North Pole. Today, the number of these animals is small compared to previous years, but not critical, so it is too early to talk about the disappearance of the species from the face of the planet.

The polar bear is a large terrestrial predator. In nature, males weighing up to 800 kg are often found. The average weight of a male is 450 kg. Females weigh half as much, but before wintering or during pregnancy they significantly increase their body weight. The brown bear is considered the closest relative of the white bear, so crossing these species usually ends in success.

Peculiarities of seasonal behavior of polar bears


It is striking that polar bears do not have a hibernation period. They remain active throughout the year. As cold weather approaches, animals actively gain subcutaneous fat.

Polar bears get their name from the shade of their fur. In winter, animals use fur for camouflage. The intelligence of polar bears deserves special attention. While waiting for prey, these massive predators cover their nose, which is the only dark spot, with their paw. In summer, the polar bear's fur takes on a straw-colored hue. This is due to ultraviolet rays.

I note that the polar bear has a multi-level “robe”. The black skin, which perfectly absorbs the sun's heat, is covered with a fluffy undercoat. The animal also has long protective hairs. They are transparent and characterized by excellent thermal conductivity.

Polar bears are unusually hardy. Despite their decent body weight, animals move quickly, taking advantage of leaping running. Often, in pursuit of prey, the predator overcomes up to 500 meters.

The polar bear also feels great in the water. Without a break, he swims up to 1 km. This animal is also an excellent diver. For five minutes he calmly engages in spearfishing.

The polar bear's diet includes fish, sea and land animals. Sometimes seals also end up on the predator’s table. Thanks to a decent supply of fat, it goes without food for a long time, but if luck smiles, it eats up to 20 kg of meat at a time.

Polar bears don't drink. They obtain the liquid they need for a full-fledged existence from food of animal origin. I note that due to the cold climate they do not sweat profusely. So they practically do not lose moisture.

Penguins - habitat and habits


Penguins are funny birds. They have wings, but they don't fly. They are clumsy on land, but extremely graceful in water. Many people are of the opinion that they live only in Antarctica. This is wrong. This part of the planet is inhabited by only 3 species; the remaining species like warmer climes.

With the exception of the breeding season and feeding of offspring, penguins stay in the open sea of ​​the Southern Hemisphere. The bulk of birds are concentrated in Antarctica and on the territory of nearby islands. In tropical latitudes, they appear in places with cold currents. The Galapagos Islands, which are located near the equator, are considered the northernmost habitat of penguins.

Where are penguins found?

  • Antarctica. The continent with a harsh climate, eternal ice and extremely low temperatures has become an ideal place for the life of the Antarctic and Emperor penguins, as well as the Adélie species. From early spring to mid-autumn they live in the ocean, after which they return to land, unite in colonies, build nests, reproduce and feed their offspring.
  • Africa. The hot African coast, washed by the cold Benguela Current, is favored by spectacled penguins. This species is incredibly sociable. It is not surprising that many tourists come to the Cape of Good Hope every year for an unforgettable experience with birds.
  • Australia. The Australian or blue penguin lives here. It differs from other species in its modest weight and small height - 1 kg and 35 cm, respectively. The largest number of representatives of the smallest species is concentrated on Phillip Island. Travelers visit this place to admire the Penguin Parade. The small birds gather in small groups at the water's edge and then sway to their burrows in the sandhills.
  • Argentina. The Orkney and Shetland Islands are home to King penguins, which grow up to a meter in height. The authorities of Latin America protect these birds in every possible way, which contributes to an increase in the population.
  • New Zealand . Magnificent penguins, the rarest species, live on these islands. Their distinctive feature is living in pairs. They are not going to the colony. Due to the small number of individuals, the species is protected.
  • South Atlantic . Golden-haired penguins are found on the coast of Chile, the Falkland Islands and Tierra del Fuego. Their huge colonies attract tourists with the amazing singing of the males, which so attracts the females.
  • Peru. The Peruvian coast, along which a cold current runs, is the home of Humboldt penguins. For various reasons, their numbers decrease annually, with a total of 12 thousand pairs.

As you can see, there are a considerable number of species of penguins, each of which lives in its own amazing corner. These birds are unique, and humanity simply must ensure that they continue to delight us with their unique appearance and other individual characteristics.

Peculiarities of seasonal behavior of penguins


The way of life of penguins is extremely unusual. It is not surprising, since these flightless birds use their wings as fins, and all parents take part in raising and feeding their offspring.

In penguins, the courtship period ends with the birth of offspring. The result of the joint efforts of a married couple is an egg. It needs protection from snow, otherwise, under the influence of low temperatures, the offspring will die at the initial stage.

The female carefully places the egg on the male's paws and goes in search of food. Having received the egg, the male envelops the unborn baby with an abdominal fold. He will have to warm the egg for 2 months. Often, in order to preserve the offspring, the male resorts to the help of other members of the fraternity.

After the baby appears, the male feeds it with milk, the production of which is responsible for the bird’s stomach and esophagus. Penguin milk is an incredibly nutritious liquid containing 10 times more fat and protein than cow's milk.

While the father takes care of the child, the female catches squid and fish. The penguin's tongue is covered with "spines" turned towards the pharynx. If the prey gets into the beak, it will not be possible to escape.

Penguins hunt in flocks. The females, gathered in a large group, dive into the water and, opening their mouths wide, fly at speed into a school of fish. After such a maneuver, a tasty morsel is sure to end up in the mouth.

Upon returning, the female, which has gained weight, fattens the hungry family members. In her stomach, a caring mother brings up to 4 kg of half-digested food. The little penguin is transferred to its mother's paws and eats the delicacies brought for several weeks.

Video material

Where do polar bears and penguins live in captivity?


Every person who has visited the zoo has probably seen a polar bear. Spacious pens are equipped for these animals, where conditions are created that are as close as possible to the natural environment. We are talking about simulating a cold climate, creating ponds with ice water and snow shelters.

In animals living in captivity, the fur sometimes takes on a green tint. This is because when exposed to high temperatures, fur becomes an ideal environment for algae to grow.

In Central Europe, penguins are found exclusively in zoos. Administrators of some establishments organize “penguin marches” for visitors. Under the supervision of zoo workers, the birds leave the enclosure for a walk. The organization of such events is carried out by the zoos of Edinburgh, Munich and other large European cities.

Penguins living in captivity often encounter fungal infections that affect the respiratory tract. Therefore, for preventive purposes, birds are kept behind glass partitions in the summer.

Let's summarize. During today's investigation, we found that polar bears and penguins, contrary to popular belief, do not meet in the same territory. By the whim of nature, they were scattered to different parts of the planet. I think this is for the best, because polar bears, due to their hunting nature, would not allow penguins to exist in peace. These birds have enough life problems and enemies even without bears. Remember this if you plan to take the Unified State Exam in biology. See you!

Brown bears are very strong and beautiful, and are rightfully considered a symbol of our country. The appearance of this large animal is impressive both in its power and grandeur. Currently, this animal is the largest land predator in the world.

Its lifespan in nature is estimated at 30 years. In captivity, the predator can live up to 50 years. Linguists believe that the name of this beast is made up of two words - “knowing” and “honey”. And this is understandable: despite being a predator, the bear is a big fan of sweet honey and, in general, an omnivore.

Description of appearance features

What is the weight of a brown bear? The weight and height of the animal depends on its habitat. On average, the mass of an individual can vary from three hundred to six hundred kilograms, and the length from one and a half to two meters.

However, bears that live in central Russia are slightly smaller than their counterparts and weigh about one hundred twenty kilograms. Grizzlies and Far Eastern bears are considered the largest.

The record holder in this area was a bear found on Kodiak Island: its mass reached one thousand and one hundred thirty-four kilograms. Closer to hibernation, in the fall, the animal gains about twenty percent fat of its total mass. Usually males are much larger than females approximately twice.

Body type of brown bears very powerful, with a rather massive head. The animal is quite high at the withers, the ears are very small, as is the tail, the length of which is about two centimeters. And on the large paws there are very long and strong claws, ten centimeters long, which help the animal hunt and cut up prey.

The bear's body is covered with thick, evenly colored, slightly stiff and, undoubtedly, very beautiful fur, and what color it will have depends on reddish, dark brown or dark gray, depends on the region where the predator lives. Bear offspring have light spots on the chest or neck, however, they gradually disappear with age.

When bears move, like people, they tend to shift the weight of their entire body weight onto one paw, which is why these predators are classified as plantigrade animals. And also bears periodically change their fur coat, and the first time this happens is immediately after the first hibernation. It should be noted that the very first molt is more intense than all subsequent ones. In the fall, before hibernation, this process proceeds more sluggishly and slowly.

Where does the brown bear live?

Bears inhabit a fairly wide area. If we talk about the European part, these animals can be found in areas such as the Alps, Apennines, Pyrenees, and the Scandinavian Peninsula.

One of the places most populated by brown bears is this is Finland. Rarely, they are found in the central forests of the European part and in the Carpathians.

In the Asian part, the range of bears is separate territories of Palestine, Iraq, Iran, Japan, Korea and even China. In Russia, bears can be found in almost all forests, in addition to those located closer to the south.

The North American continent is almost completely populated by these predators. More individuals live in Canada, Alaska and the islands adjacent to it.

Lifestyle

How and where does a bear live? Bears are uncohesive animals; they are solitary and only come together during the breeding season. They do not have a shelter to which they will return again and again, in other words, a permanent place of residence.

They lead wandering lifestyle, because their main goal is to search for food. However, if the territory is quite rich in various living creatures and other food for bears, then they still prefer not to linger on it, but also do not go too far, so that if something happens, they can return to where they definitely have everything they need for a comfortable existence .

Bears prefer dense and deep thickets and forests, next to which there are any bodies of water. Looking at this huge and powerful predator, it is difficult to imagine what dexterity it has, however, it is so. Bears are skilled hunters. At a young age, they easily climb trees of various heights, and their talent for swimming develops from childhood and remains until the end of their lives.

Most often, bears prefer to rest during the day, but in the late afternoon, at night, they wake up and start hunting. Most brown bears hibernate during the cold season, but some of them lead a very active lifestyle in winter.

How long do bears live? Everything again directly depends on the region in which they live. The lifespan in nature, that is, the natural habitat, varies from twenty to thirty-five years. But in the case when the animal is kept in captivity, this number becomes much more significant, because, if you trust the statistics, many bears in various zoos, where they are provided with the necessary care, reach the age of five decades!

What and how does a predator eat

Despite the fact that the brown bear is a predator, most of its daily diet consists of food of plant origin. These animals do not disdain insects, including various larvae. And as everyone knows, he loves to eat honey.

Animals that are too large are not often the prey of predators, but small animals he eats with great pleasure. A strong bear paw is capable of breaking the backbone of a young elk or deer, as well as roe deer, fallow deer and mountain goats in one blow. Sometimes even wild boars are the prey of these predators.

It should be noted that bears are wonderful fishermen, which is why the presence of a reservoir in the territory inhabited by them is so important. In total, the bear's daily diet is as follows:

  • wild berries, such as blueberries or raspberries;
  • oats and corn;
  • fish, such as trout;
  • mice;
  • hens, chicks and eggs;
  • tubers, nuts, acorns.

Times can sometimes be quite difficult when searching for food is a difficult task. However, the bear is saved by one of its main advantages - omnivorousness and unpretentiousness. Thanks to them, and not just their strength and power, they are able to survive even in the harshest conditions.

Interestingly, clubfooted animals are very thrifty animals. They skillfully hide uneaten food, disguising it under many branches.

Types of brown bears

The brown bear family includes more than one subspecies. Let's look at the most common of them.

Reproduction of brown bears

After the predators feel completely rested and full of strength, the mating period begins, which usually begins in late spring, in May, and lasts about a month.

It's interesting that at this time females tend to mark territory. Males find their chosen ones by special smells and try to protect them from rivals.

Sometimes a serious dispute breaks out about who will get the bear. In this case, the battle is literally life and death. Winners sometimes even eat their dead rivals.

The brown bear, or common bear, is a predatory mammal of the bear family; one of the largest and most dangerous land predators. Spreading The brown bear was once common throughout Europe, including England and Ireland, in the south its range reached northwest Africa (the Atlas Mountains), and in the east through Siberia and China it reached Japan. It probably came to North America about 40,000 years ago from Asia, through the Bering Isthmus, and spread widely in the western part of the continent from Alaska to northern Mexico. Now the brown bear has been exterminated in a large part of its former range; in other areas there are few. In Western Europe, its isolated populations remain in the Pyrenees, Cantabrian Mountains, Alps and Apennines. Quite common in Scandinavia and Finland, sometimes found in the forests of Central Europe and the Carpathians. In Finland it is declared the national animal. In Asia, it is distributed from Western Asia, Palestine, northern Iraq and Iran to northern China and the Korean Peninsula. In Japan it is found on the island of Hokkaido. In North America it is known as the “grizzly” (previously, the North American brown bear was identified as a separate species), it is numerous in Alaska, in western Canada, and there are limited populations in the northwestern United States. The habitat of the brown bear in Russia occupies almost the entire forest zone, with the exception of its southern regions. The northern border of the range coincides with the southern border of the tundra.

Appearance The brown bear forms several subspecies (geographical races), differing in size and color. The smallest individuals are found in Europe, the largest are in Alaska and Kamchatka - they weigh 500 kg or more; there were giants weighing 700-1000 kg. The maximum recorded weight of a male Kamchatka bear was 600 kg, the average was 350-450 kg. There is information that in the autumn the weight of especially large Kamchatka individuals exceeds 700 kg. The largest bear captured on Kodiak Island for the Berlin Zoo weighed 1,134 kg. The length of the European brown bear is usually 1.2-2 m with a height at the withers of about 1 m and a weight of 300 to 400 kg; grizzly bears are noticeably larger - some individuals, standing on their hind legs, reach a height of 2.8-3 m; bears living in central Russia weigh 400-600 kg. Adult males are on average 1.6 times larger than females. The appearance of a brown bear is typical for a representative of the bear family. His body is powerful, with high withers; The head is massive with small ears and eyes. The tail is short - 65-210 mm, barely standing out from the fur. Paws are strong with powerful, non-retractable claws 8-10 cm long, five-fingered, plantigrade. The coat is thick, evenly colored. The color of a brown bear is very variable, not only in different parts of its range, but also within one area. The color of the fur varies from light fawn to bluish and almost black. The most common is the brown form. In Rocky Mountain grizzlies, the hair on the back may be white at the ends, giving the appearance of a gray or grizzled coat. A completely grayish-white color is found in brown bears in the Himalayas, and a pale reddish-brown color is found in Syria. Bear cubs have light markings on their necks and chests, which disappear with age. Molting in brown bears occurs once a year - it begins in spring and until autumn, but it is often divided into spring and autumn. The spring season lasts a long time and is most intense during the rutting period. Autumn molting proceeds slowly and imperceptibly, ending with the period of lying in the den.

Lifestyle and nutrition The brown bear is a forest animal. Its usual habitats in Russia are continuous forests with windbreaks and burnt areas with dense growth of deciduous trees, shrubs and grasses; can enter both the tundra and alpine forests. In Europe it prefers mountain forests; in North America it is more often found in open areas - in the tundra, alpine meadows and on the coast. The bear usually lives alone, the female lives with cubs of different ages. Males and females are territorial; an individual home range on average ranges from 73 to 414 km, and for males it is approximately 7 times larger than for females. The boundaries of the site are marked with scent marks and “scratches” - scratches on conspicuous trees. Sometimes makes seasonal migrations; So in the mountains, a brown bear, starting in spring, feeds in the valleys where the snow melts first, then goes to the char (alpine meadows), then gradually descends into the forest belt, where berries and nuts ripen. The brown bear is omnivorous, but its diet is 3/4 plant-based: berries, acorns, nuts, roots, tubers and grass stems. In years when there is no berry harvest in the northern regions, bears visit oat crops, and in the southern regions - corn crops; in the Far East they feed in cedar forests in the fall. Its diet also includes insects (ants, butterflies), worms, lizards, frogs, rodents (mice, marmots, gophers, chipmunks), fish and predators. In summer, insects and their larvae sometimes make up up to 1/3 of a bear’s diet. Although predation is not an exemplary strategy of brown bears, they also prey on ungulates - roe deer, fallow deer, deer, caribou, fallow deer. Grizzlies sometimes attack wolves and baribal bears, and in the Far East brown bears can prey on Himalayan bears and tigers. The brown bear loves honey (hence the name); eats carrion and sometimes takes prey from wolves, pumas and tigers. The seasonal food source is fish during spawning (anadromous salmonids), in early spring - rhizomes, for grizzlies living in the vicinity of the Rocky Mountains, in summer - butterflies that hide in the mountains among the stones from the summer heat. When the fish just begin to spawn, bears eat the entire caught fish, then begin to eat only the fattest parts - the skin, head, caviar and milt. In years when food is poor, bears sometimes attack livestock and destroy apiaries. Males may prey on the young of their own species, preferring males as potential future competitors.

The brown bear is active throughout the day, but more often in the mornings and evenings. The seasonal cyclicality of life is clearly expressed. By winter, the bear gains subcutaneous fat (up to 180 kg) and lies in its den in the fall. Dens are located in a dry place, in most cases in holes protected by windbreaks or under upturned tree roots. Less commonly, bears dig shelters in the ground or occupy caves and rock crevices. Bears have favorite wintering places, where they gather from the whole neighborhood year after year. In different areas, winter sleep lasts from 75 to 195 days. Depending on climatic and other conditions, bears stay in dens from October - November to March - April, that is, 5-6 months. Bears with cubs live the longest in dens, old males live the least. In the south of the range, where winters have little snow, bears do not hibernate at all. During the wintering period, the bear loses up to 80 kg of fat. Contrary to popular belief, the brown bear's winter sleep is shallow; his body temperature during sleep fluctuates between 29 and 34 degrees. In case of danger, the animal wakes up and leaves the den, going in search of a new one. Sometimes a bear does not have time to fatten up properly during the fall, so in the middle of winter it wakes up and begins to wander in search of food; such bears are called connecting rods. The connecting rods are very dangerous, hunger makes them merciless predators - they attack anyone who crosses their path, even humans. Such bears have very little chance of surviving until spring. Despite its clumsy appearance, the brown bear runs extremely fast - at a speed of up to 50 km/h, swims excellently and climbs trees well in its youth (as it gets older, it does this more reluctantly). With one blow of his paw, a seasoned bear can break the back of a bull, bison or bison.

Reproduction Females bear offspring once every 2-4 years. Their estrus lasts from May to July, 10-30 days. At this time, the males, usually silent, begin to roar loudly, and fierce fights arise between them, sometimes ending in death; the winner may even eat the loser. The female mates with several males. Pregnancy in a female bear is at a latent stage; the embryo does not begin to develop until November, when the female goes into her den. In total, pregnancy lasts 6-8 months, and births occur from January to March, when the female is still in hibernation. The she-bear brings 2-3 (maximum up to 5) cubs weighing 340-680 g and up to 25 cm long, covered with short sparse hair, blind, with an overgrown ear canal. Their ear canals open on the 14th day; in a month they begin to see clearly. By the age of 3 months, cubs have a full set of baby teeth and begin to eat berries, greens and insects. At this age they weigh about 15 kg; by 6 months - 25 kg. Lactation will last 18-30 months. The father does not care for the offspring; the cubs are raised by the female. Often, last year’s female, the so-called nurse, stays with the young yearlings (long-yearlings), helping the mother in raising the offspring. The cubs are finally separated from their mother at 3-4 years of age. Bears reach sexual maturity at 4-6 years old, but continue to grow until 10-11 years old. Life expectancy in nature is 20-30 years, in captivity - up to 47-50 years.

Population status and significance for humans The brown bear is listed as a threatened species on the IUCN Red List, but its numbers vary greatly from population to population. According to rough estimates, the world now has approx. 200,000 brown bears. Of these, the majority live in Russia - 120,000, the USA - 32,500 (95% live in Alaska) and Canada - 21,750. About 14,000 individuals have survived in Europe. The commercial value of the brown bear is small; hunting in many areas is prohibited or limited. The skin is used mainly for carpets, the meat is used for food. The gallbladder is used in traditional Asian medicine. In some places, the brown bear damages crops, destroys apiaries and attacks domestic animals. An encounter with a brown bear can be deadly. As a rule, this animal avoids humans, but a close encounter, especially with a hungry connecting rod or a mother bear with cubs, can result in death or injury. Usually, if an animal attacks a person, it is advised to fall face down on the ground and not move, pretending to be dead, until the animal leaves.

Security Listed in the Red Book of Russia. Slow reproduction and high mortality of young animals make this animal easily vulnerable. However, the population is now considered stable or even growing. In 1993, it was estimated at 21,470-28,370 individuals. There are 5-7 thousand polar bears in Russia, and the annual poaching rate ranges from 150 to 200 individuals per year. Due to the decrease in the population of Dikson, the extermination of polar bears is slightly reduced. In the Pleistocene era, about 100 thousand years ago, there lived a larger subspecies of the giant polar bear, which was significantly larger in size.

Currently, the polar bear is listed in the Red Book as a dying species. Brown bears are under threat. The largest individuals are found in Kamchatka and Alaska. The body weight of some of them reaches 1000 kg and a height of 3 m.

Habitat, lifestyle and diet of bears

In Russia, brown bears live in places where there are dense thickets of grasses, shrubs and deciduous trees - in Siberia, the Far East, Kamchatka.

The diet of brown bears mainly consists of grass stems, oak acorns, berries, wheat, oats, and corn. However, the bear does not disdain smaller species of animals and insects. With one blow of his paw he can kill a wild boar, a wolf, or a fox. Being near a body of water, he is able to catch fish. When there is nothing to eat in the forest, an animal may attack an apiary or livestock. The bear goes into hibernation when it gains subcutaneous fat. But there are also connecting rods. They rarely survive until spring.

The brown bear chooses a place for a den under the roots of trees or in a windfall. His sleep lasts from 70 to 200 days. During this time, approximately 100 kg.

Polar bears live closer to the pole. They are magnificent and calmly swim deep into the sea for prey. They feed mainly on pinnipeds - seals, sea hares, etc. They also hunt walrus calves. They do not disdain carrion thrown up by the sea. They move easily on ice.

Only polar bears hibernate; other individuals hibernate, if at all, much less often than in summer. The female is forced to look for a den so that the newborn babies get used to the cold climate after being in a warm environment. Pregnancy in polar bears lasts 230-250 days. Cubs are born in November-January and spend several months in a den, feeding only on mother's milk.

Lifespan of bears

The lifespan of bears depends on the conditions in which they exist. In the wild, the lifespan is 10 years. In zoos and menageries they can live up to 50.

A polar bear lives in the wild for 25-30 years, during which time the female can give birth several times, but not all cubs survive. The mortality rate is very high, ranging from 10 to 30%. In addition, poachers are contributing to the extinction of this species.

The average life expectancy of a brown bear is 30 years. The Himalayan black bear can live more than 30 years in captivity, but in the wild the lifespan is slightly shorter. The baribal or black bear lives about 25 years.

Origin of the species and description

According to scientists and archaeologists, bears descended from ancient martens about 3-4 million years ago. The remains of such an ancient species were discovered on the territory of modern France. It was small. This species evolved into a larger predatory beast - the Etruscan bear. Its territory extended to Europe and China. Presumably this species became the founder of large, black bears. About 1.8-2 million years ago, cave predators of the bear family appeared. It was from them that brown and polar bears originated, which later divided into many subspecies.

Appearance and features

The appearance of the predator is striking in its size and power. The weight of one adult individual reaches 300-500 kilograms, the body length is up to two meters. The largest representative of this species lives in the zoo of the capital of Germany. Its weight is 775 kilograms. Males are always larger and are approximately twice as large as females. The body has a barrel-shaped body and massive withers. Powerful, well-developed limbs have five fingers and huge claws up to 15 cm long. There is a small round tail, the size of which does not exceed two tens of centimeters. The large head with a wide frontal part has an elongated nose, small eyes and ears.

The thickness and color of the coat depends on the region where it lives. Bears molt in the summer. During the cold season, as well as during mating periods, bears are especially aggressive. Predators spend almost half the year sleeping. They climb into the den and curl up into a ball. The hind limbs are pressed to the stomach, the front limbs are covering the muzzle.

The brown bear is a forest animal. Lives in dense forests with dense green vegetation. Places such as the tundra, taiga, and mountain ranges are ideal habitats for clubfoot predators. Previously, the habitat ranged from England to China and Japan. Today, due to the extermination of the species, its habitat has decreased significantly. Bears remain only in Russia, Alaska, Kazakhstan, and Canada. Under natural conditions, one bear occupies a territory of 70 to 150 kilometers.

  • Eastern part of the Siberian taiga;
  • Mongolia;
  • Pakistan;
  • Iran;
  • Korea;
  • Afghanistan;
  • China;
  • The foothills of the Pamir, Tien Shan, Himalaya mountains;
  • Kazakhstan.

Almost all bears live in areas near open water sources.

The brown bear is by nature a predatory animal. However, we can confidently call it an omnivorous animal. He eats plant foods for most of the year. It is vegetation that makes up almost 70% of the predator’s entire diet. It is possible that the diet contains small bugs, insects, and larvae.

By nature, these animals are endowed with the ability to fish. Due to this, in its habitat there is almost always a water source in which the bear can catch fish. The predator has powerful, strong and very developed forelimbs. With a blow of one front paw, he is capable of killing a wild boar or deer. Small herbivorous mammals such as hares and raccoons are often preyed upon.

In Russian folk tales, the brown bear appears as a sweet tooth and lover of honey. And it's true. He really enjoys the honey of wild bees.

The basis of the brown bear's diet is:

  • wild berries, mainly raspberries, lingonberries, blueberries, strawberries;
  • cereals;
  • corn;
  • fish;
  • small and medium-sized mammals – , wild , ;
  • representatives of the rodent family, frogs, lizards;
  • forest vegetation - nuts, acorns.

The bear has a natural ability to perfectly adapt to any conditions. It is able to withstand even hunger and survive for a long time without meat and fish. He tends to stock up. What the animal does not eat, it hides in thickets of forest vegetation, and then eats. It is noteworthy that it is not difficult for them to find the supplies they have made, since they have a well-developed memory.

They can obtain food both at night and during the day. It is unusual for them to develop a hunting strategy, track down prey, or attack. Only extreme need can push a bear to take such a step. In search of food, they can often go to human settlements and exterminate domestic animals.

Features of character and lifestyle

Despite their large size and external clumsiness, brown bears are very neat and almost silent animals. Predators are solitary animals. Their habitat is divided between adult individuals. One male covers an area of ​​50 to 150 square kilometers. Males occupy a territory 2-3 times larger than that of females. Each individual marks its territory with urine and claw marks on trees.

The brown bear is most active during daylight hours, mainly in the early morning. Capable of running fast, reaching speeds of up to 45-55 km/h. Can climb trees, swim, and move long distances. The predator has a very subtle sense of smell. He is able to smell meat at a distance of up to three kilometers.

These animals are characterized by a seasonal lifestyle. In the warm season, animals lead an active lifestyle, moving through the thickets of forests. During the cold season, bears sleep in dens. In the fall, bears begin to prepare for hibernation, arranging a place for this, as well as the accumulation of subcutaneous fat. Hibernation lasts from one to four to five months. It is noteworthy that the number of heartbeats, respiratory rate and level of arterial respiration during hibernation remain practically unchanged. During hibernation, the animal loses a large amount of weight - up to 60-70 kilograms.

Bears very scrupulously choose a place for winter sleep. It should be a secluded, quiet and dry place. The den should be warm and comfortable. Bears line the bottom of their shelter with dry moss. During sleep, they remain sensitive and have shallow sleep. They are easy to disturb and wake up.

Social structure and reproduction

The mating season for brown bears begins in late spring and lasts for several months. Males are quite aggressive during this period. They tend to attack each other and fight fiercely for the opportunity to mate with females. Males also emit a loud, aggressive roar. Females, in turn, immediately enter into mating relationships with several males at once.

Mother bears tend to give birth to cubs approximately once every 2-3 years. The gestation period lasts approximately two hundred days. The fetus develops in the female's womb only during hibernation. Most often, two or three cubs are born in the middle or towards the end of winter. The average weight of one baby does not exceed 500 grams, length - 22-24 cm.

Newborn cubs see and hear absolutely nothing. The hairline is poorly developed. After 10-12 days, the cubs begin to hear, and after a month, they begin to see. The she-bear feeds her offspring with milk in the den for three to four months. At this age, the cubs begin to develop their first teeth, which allow them to expand their diet. However, with the appearance of teeth, the cubs do not stop feeding on their mother’s milk. It serves as a source of food for 1.5-2.5 years.

The cubs are under the care of their mother until they are 3-4 years old. At this moment they reach puberty and begin their independent existence. However, the growth period does not end; it continues for another 6-7 years.

The female is responsible for raising and caring for the babies. The breeding bear, an adult female from the past offspring, also takes part in this process. Under natural conditions, a brown bear lives about 25-30 years. When living in captivity, life expectancy can double.

Natural enemies of the brown bear

The natural enemy of the predator is man and his activities. When existing in natural conditions, the beast has no other enemies. Not a single animal dares to attack a bear. No one else has the strength and power to defeat him.

Today, the brown bear is listed in the Red Book as an endangered species. This phenomenon occurred as a result of human activity. Shooting adult individuals, as well as catching bear cubs, is widely considered an elite trophy for poachers. The skin of the animal is highly valued, as is the meat and bile.

Poachers sell meat at a high price to representatives of the restaurant business. The skins are sold as raw material for making carpets. Bear fat and bile are in demand in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of medicinal products.

Previously, bears were widespread and lived almost everywhere. In the British Isles, the last representative of this was killed in the 20th century. In Europe, in particular in Germany, the species disappeared a little over a hundred years ago. In the south-east of European territory, bears are found in single numbers. Despite the fact that the representative of the bear family is listed in the Red Book, poachers continue to destroy representatives of the species.

Population and species status

Today the brown bear is listed in the Red Book. The population has the status of an endangered species. Today there are about 205,000 individuals in the world. Approximately 130,000 live in the Russian Federation.

The brown bear, depending on its habitat, is divided into several more subspecies:

Siberian bear. It is rightfully considered the owner of the Siberian taiga forests.

Atlas bear. Today, the subspecies is officially recognized as extinct. The habitat ranged from Morocco to Libya, in the Atlas Mountains zone.

Completely destroyed by poachers and hunters. Considered an integral part of Californian flora and fauna.

Ussuri bear. It is distinguished by its more modest size and dark, almost black color.

Tibetan bear. One of the rarest representatives. The subspecies got its name due to its habitat on the Tibetan plateau.

It is considered the largest predator. The subspecies got its name thanks to its habitat - the islands of the Kodiak archipelago. The weight of one adult individual reaches more than four hundred kilograms.

In order to preserve the species, the brown bear is listed in the Red Book. Hunting for it is strictly prohibited. Violation of this requirement is criminally punishable. On the territory of the Russian Federation, brown bears are bred in artificial conditions and released into the wild.

In 1975, an agreement was concluded between the USSR, England, Canada, Denmark, and Norway to take joint measures to preserve and enhance the species.

In 1976, a reserve for brown bear was created on Wrangel Island.

One of the most beautiful, powerful and majestic predators - brown bear. His habits and way of life are unique in their kind. That is why today such colossal efforts are being made to preserve this species.