Animale
Brown bear
A versatile omnivore whose diet changes with the seasons.
Lingua dei contenuti
The brown bear belongs to the order Carnivora, but its diet includes both animals and plants. Canine teeth and molars perform different jobs: the former help seize prey, while the broad surfaces of the latter grind plant food. This combination suits an omnivore. The contents of its diet change with the location and season.
In spring, bears eat available herbs, grasses and ants; in autumn, berries become important. They find food mainly through an excellent sense of smell. Each paw has five long, curved claws, useful for digging into the ground. The coat may be light brown or almost black, so the species name covers animals with quite different colouring.
In winter, bears shelter in dens and reduce their activity. The length of this rest depends on conditions and weather. It does not mean that waking up is impossible. Adults usually live separately, except during the breeding season and when a female is caring for her cubs. This solitary way of life contrasts with the family life of wolves, although both species are large members of the carnivore order.
Per bambini
A bear has strong canine teeth, but it also eats many plants. It is an omnivore. Broad molars grind plant food, while the canines help it seize prey.
Its menu changes with the seasons. It may include grasses, herbs, ants and berries. A bear uses its sensitive nose to find food. Five long claws on each paw help it dig into the soil. Its fur can be light brown or very dark.
In winter a bear rests in a shelter called a den. It can wake up, and the length of its rest depends on the weather and location. Adult bears usually live alone. A mother, however, stays with her cubs and looks after them until they can manage on their own.
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What do a bear’s broad molars do?
- Posizione
- Brown bear enclosure