Giant Short Faced Bear 

The *Short-Faced Bear**, scientifically known as *Arctodus*, is an extinct genus of bears that roamed North America during the Pleistocene epoch, approximately 2.5 million to 12,800 years ago. This genus includes two recognized species: the **Giant Short-Faced Bear* (*Arctodus simus*) and the *Lesser Short-Faced Bear* (*Arctodus pristinus*).
Physical Characteristics
*Size and Weight*
The Giant Short-Faced Bear was one of the largest land carnivores of its time, standing about *5 feet (1.5 meters)* at the shoulder and reaching heights of up to *11 feet (3.35 meters)* when upright on its hind legs[1][2
Weights varied significantly, with estimates suggesting males could weigh between **700 to 1,000 kg (1,540 to 2,200 lbs)**, while females were smaller, averaging around **300 to 400 kg (660 to 880 lbs).
*Distinctive Features*
The bear is characterized by its *short face* and broad snout, which contributed to its name. It had a domed skull and long limbs that were proportionally longer and thinner than those of modern bears, aiding in long-distance travel
Its teeth included large molars for grinding food and sharp front teeth suited for tearing meat, indicating a primarily carnivorous diet.
Diet and Behavior
The Short-Faced Bear was likely an **omnivore**, but evidence suggests it may have been predominantly carnivorous. Its diet included large herbivores such as bison, deer, and horses. The bear's powerful jaws allowed it to crush bones for marrow, and it may have scavenged from other predators' kills
Habitat and Range
These bears inhabited a variety of environments across North America, from temperate woodlands to open grasslands. Fossil evidence indicates they ranged from Alaska down to Mexico[2][3]. They are believed to have been adaptable creatures that could exploit different habitats depending on food availability.
Extinction
The extinction of the Short-Faced Bear is thought to be linked to ecological changes at the end of the Pleistocene, which affected their large prey populations and introduced competition from other bear species like the brown bear. The Giant Short-Faced Bear disappeared around **12,800 years ago**, while the Lesser Short-Faced Bear became extinct approximately **300,000 years ago.
Related Species
The only living relative of the Short-Faced Bear is the *Spectacled Bear* (*Tremarctos ornatus*), which is found in South America today. Unlike its prehistoric relatives, the Spectacled Bear exhibits more omnivorous feeding habits similar to modern bears
In summary, the Short-Faced Bear was an impressive creature of its time, notable for its size, unique physical traits, and significant role in the Pleistocene ecosystem as both a predator and scavenger.