#1) Polar Bear, considered to be the largest land predator in the world, although some would say it’s a marine predator because it hunts on ice on the ocean. And yes, some brown bears are bigger than polar bears, but I will get to that later!

#2) North American brown bear or grizzly bear. The largest of these bears will outweigh a polar bear but that is due to their rich diet of salmon. The interior bears are called grizzlies and do not come close to the weight of the coastal bears. The same bears are found in parts of Asia and Europe and are the most widely distributed of all the bears.

#3) Black bear. Smallest of the N. American bears. Rarely attack humans in the wild unless they are desperate for food or they have been habituated by humans who feed them. A subspecies, the white Kermode or spirit bear is found on the west coast.

#4) Sloth Bear of India. A very shy species that rarely comes into contact with man. They have been used and abused for years in circuses and animal side shows throughout Asia.

#5) Bornean Sun Bear; the smallest of bears. You just want to gives these guys a hug……but don’t.

And next time I promise, more orangutans; because who can get enough of these wonderful apes. They truly are great!!

Don G.