Conservation Status
Least Concern
Scientific name
Ursus arctos
Our European brown bear, Cinderella, has now moved to a hibernation den in the Zoo while we carry out important work to her home before new bears join her in spring 2023. Bear-enthusiasts, watch this space!
Species
European brown bear
Latin name
Ursus arctos
What they look like
As its name indicates, the European brown bear is covered in brown fur, with the colours varying from a yellow brown to a dark brown. They are equipped with large paws, and claws that can grow up to 10cm long.
Animal facts
- The European brown bear is one of the largest species of bear.
- European brown bears are able to climb trees when they are cubs.
- They are solitary animals, with the exception of females and their cubs and apart from when mating.
What they eat
A European brown bear’s diet is made up of a mixture of grasses, berries, sedges, fungi, mosses, nuts, fruit, honey, insects, birds and fish.
Habitat
Mountain woodland
Where they live
North America, Europe and Asia
Threats
Hunting and habitat loss
Order
Carnivora
Family
Ursidae
Population
Stable
