BEARS. 211 



Bears are found in Europe, Asia, America, and in the 

 higher and cooler parts of hot countries. They all have 

 bodies comparatively short for the thickness, and inhabit 

 the most savage parts of mountains and forests, where 

 they lead a solitary life. They have strong, curved claws, 

 which serve them especially in digging and climbing, and 

 are more rarely used in attack. Most of them prefer 

 vegetable to animal food, living on fruits, nuts, roots, 



FIG. 137. 



POLAR BEAR (Ursus maritimus). 



and tender sprouts ; they are particularly fond of honey. 

 During the winter they retire to caves or sheltered 

 spots, and sleep until spring-time : they are said to hiber- 

 nate. 



Among the better-known bears are the brown bear of 

 Europe, the black bear of North America, the polar bear 

 of the far North, the grizzly bear of the Eocky Mountains, 

 and the cinnamon bear of the same locality. The brown 

 and black bears are not usually disposed to attack man, 



