Bears were large, powerful Beasts that roamed forests, mountains, and tundra across much of the world. They had heavy bodies, strong limbs, and thick fur that ranged in color from black, brown, and white. Adult bears varied widely in size depending on species, but the largest Cave and Polar Bears could stand up to 10 feet in length and weigh up to 1500 pounds, vastly outclassing any Mortalkind; the rare Dire Bear was almost considered a Monstrosity, such was its size.
Bears were omnivorous, their diets shifting with the seasons. Many species fed primarily on plants, fruits, and nuts, supplementing with insects, fish, or small mammals. Some, like polar bears, were highly carnivorous, hunting seals and other marine life. They were solitary hunters and foragers, using their keen sense of smell to locate food over great distances. Bears were known for their periods of hibernation, retreating into dens during harsh winters. During this time, they could survive without eating, relying on stored fat. Outside of hibernation, they were territorial but generally avoided conflict, though they could be fiercely aggressive if threatened or if cubs were present.
Their tracks, droppings, and claw marks were often the first signs of their presence. Bears played a role in shaping the ecosystems they inhabited, spreading seeds and influencing prey populations, and were both feared and revered by mortalkind, appearing in stories and myths as symbols of strength, ferocity, and protection.