Largest Bears in the World
Sloth Bear The very first ursine we shall be examined in response to the question “What is the biggest bear of all?” is a rather mild-looking mammal. Lankier than brown and black bears, the Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) distinguishes itself with its shaggy mane and sickle-shaped claws. The average female can range from 121-231 lb, while the average male weighs between 176-320 lb. However, unusually sized Sloth bears can reach weights of 423 lb. They stand between 4 feet, 7 inches tall, and 6 feet, 3 inches tall.
Asiatic Black Bear Next on our list of the biggest bear species is the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus). Also known as the moon bear or white-chested bear, it is most recognizable due to the v-shaped white mark on its chest. More slender and lightly built than brown bears, male Asiatic black bears weigh around 130-440 lb. Females of the species weigh between 88-276 lb. They measure from 3 feet, 11 inches to 6 feet, 4 inches in length.
Spectacled Bear The spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is the last remaining species of short-faced bear in the world. Also known as the Andean bear or mountain bear, spectacled bears get their name from the splash of pale markings across their face and chest. Male spectacled bears typically weigh between 220-440 lb, and females weigh from 77-181 lb. The most massive spectacled bears can weigh approximately 491 lb. They measure between 3 feet, 11 inches to 6 feet, and 5 inches in length from head to toe.
American Black Bear The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is the tiniest and most common bear in North America. Typically, they stand between 3 feet, 11 inches, and 6 feet, 7 inches tall, but can grow to be much larger. Male American black bears typically weigh between 126-551 lb, while females usually weigh between 90-375 lb. However, one enormous American black bear measured 1,000 lb and was almost 8 feet in length!
Eurasian Brown Bear Also known as the European brown bear or common bear, the Eurasian brown bear (Ursus arctos arctos) is one of the most common subspecies of brown bears. Adult males usually weigh between 550-660 lb, while full-grown females range from 330-550 lb. That said, some Eurasian brown bears can grow up to 1,058 lb and stand nearly 8 feet, 3 inches tall.
Grizzly Bear One of the most famous subspecies of brown bears, the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) gets its name from its fearsome appearance. The average grizzly measures about 6 feet, 5 inches in length but can range between 3 feet, 6 inches, and 9 feet long. Adult male grizzlies often weigh between 400-790 lb, while females weigh between 290-400 lb. However, coastal grizzlies average around 899 lb and can exceed 1,000 lb at their heaviest.
Ussuri Brown Bear A close relative of the Eurasian brown bear, the Ussuri brown bear (Ursus arctos lasiotus) is also known as the black grizzly bear or Ezo brown bear. Its appearance is similar to the Kamchatka brown bear, although it possesses a narrower skull and shorter forehead. Male Ussuri brown bears average 880 lb and can grow up to 1,210 lb. They typically range from 6-9 feet in length.
Kamchatka Brown Bear The Kamchatka brown bear (Ursus arctos beringianus) is the largest subspecies of brown bear in Eurasia. The heaviest Kamchatka brown bears can weigh up to 1,430 lb, although average weights vary throughout the seasons. When standing on their hind legs, they measure from 7 feet, 11 inches to 9 feet, 9 inches tall. While typically dark brown in appearance, lighter colorations do exist in the wild.
Kodiak Bear In our list of the biggest bear species, this ursine is a true heavyweight. The largest subspecies of brown bears, the Kodiak bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi) is second only in size to the polar bear. Also known as the Alaskan brown bear, it is similar in appearance to other brown bears, with its distinguishing feature being its size and location. Adult Kodiak bears often weigh between 660-1320 lb, while the most massive wild bear on record weighed 1,656 lb. When standing upright, they can measure anywhere from 8 feet to 9 feet, and 10 inches tall. However, captive Kodiak bears can weigh up to 2,130 lb and stand almost 11 feet tall.
Polar Bear The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is the largest bear species in the world and is also the largest living land carnivore. Male polar bears weigh between 770-1500 lb, while females typically weigh 330-550 lb, although they can easily hit 1100 lb when pregnant. The typical height for males is between 7 feet, 10 inches, and 9 feet, 10 inches, with females measuring between 5 feet, 11 inches, and 7 feet, 10 inches. That said, the largest polar on record weighed 2,209 lb and stood 11 feet, 1 inch tall.