There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
I'm glad that Vinay and I had that disagreement about the sloth bear's climbing ability. I was proven wrong. A great many sources claim that sloth bears are slow and clumsy tree-climbers. This is a mere assumption due to the fact that they are primarily ground dwellers and do not retreat up a tree at the first hint of danger. Fact is, they are probably as good at tree-climbing as the black bears. Great Bear Almanac by Gary Brown. Climbing Abilities. Polar Bear: Does not climb trees; agile climber of ice ridges; climbs to travel and pursue prey. Can jump/scale a thirty-five foot ice wall. Brown Bear: Poor climber due to claw structure and body weight. Climbs to feed ( pursue prey, seek human food ) and travel, even steep rock ridges; capable of laddering up only trees with low branches. Cubs climb trees. American Black Bear: Outstanding climber. Climbs regularly and easily to feed, escape enemies, or to hibernate in some areas. Climbing ability declines with age, with large adults climbing infrequently for food. Climbing is also the principal means of defense. Asiatic Black Bear: Good climber. Climbs to feed, rest, sun, escape from enemies, and hibernate. Excellent climber in rocks and cliffs; frequently climbs trees. Climbing important in feeding habits; some older bears become too heavy to climb. Giant Panda: Poor climber. Climbing is uncommon and less efficient than that of other bears; climbs slowly and clumsily, appearing inept; embraces tree, ascending with caterpillar movements. Climbs for defense - to escape dogs, humans, and other giant pandas - and to rest and sun. Females climb to escape courting males. Spectacled Bear: Excellent climber. Climbs quite high. Climbs to feed, rest, sleep, escape; able to climb vines and small trees ( less than four inches in diameter ); spends more time in trees than other bears. Sun Bear: Expert climber, nimble, skillful. Climbs to feed, rest. Cubs climb better than they run. Can nearly hang upside down with claws. Sloth Bear: Excellent climber despite appearing slow and clumsy. Climbs to feed, rest; does not climb to escape enemies - runs or fights probably because its major predator is the leopard, an excellent climber. Can jump down ten feet, climb a smooth-bore tree or pole, and hangs upside down like a sloth.
Bear Species and Subspecies
