The Wonder of Animals – Bears: Bears can live in practically every habitat on Earth, from tropical jungles to the Arctic Ocean. Wherever they are found, they are capable of surviving extreme conditions and extracting the highest-quality food.
Detailing the latest research, Chris Packham explores the specialised adaptations that have enabled bears to thrive, including how a polar bear’s hollow fur allows it to feed throughout the gruelling Arctic winter, whilst a state of ‘walking hibernation’ sees it through the summer months.
Series in which Chris Packham uses groundbreaking science and brand-new behaviour to delve deep beneath the skin and discover the unique features that have made certain animal groups successful.
The Wonder of Animals – Bears
Bears are carnivoran mammals of the family Ursidae. They are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans. Although only eight species of bears are extant, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats throughout the Northern Hemisphere and partially in the Southern Hemisphere. Bears are found on the continents of North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Common characteristics of modern bears include large bodies with stocky legs, long snouts, small rounded ears, shaggy hair, plantigrade paws with five nonretractile claws, and short tails.
While the polar bear is mostly carnivorous, and the giant panda feeds almost entirely on bamboo, the remaining six species are omnivorous with varied diets. With the exception of courting individuals and mothers with their young, bears are typically solitary animals. They may be diurnal or nocturnal and have an excellent sense of smell. Despite their heavy build and awkward gait, they are adept runners, climbers, and swimmers. Bears use shelters, such as caves and logs, as their dens; most species occupy their dens during the winter for a long period of hibernation, up to 100 days.
Bears have been hunted since prehistoric times for their meat and fur; they have been used for bear-baiting and other forms of entertainment, such as being made to dance. With their powerful physical presence, they play a prominent role in the arts, mythology, and other cultural aspects of various human societies. In modern times, bears have come under pressure through encroachment on their habitats and illegal trade in bear parts, including the Asian bile bear market. The IUCN lists six bear species as vulnerable or endangered, and even least concern species, such as the brown bear, are at risk of extirpation in certain countries. The poaching and international trade of these most threatened populations are prohibited, but still ongoing.
Chris Packham
Christopher Gary “Chris” Packham is an English naturalist, nature photographer, television presenter, and author, best known for his television work, including the children’s nature series The Really Wild Show from 1986 to 1995. He has presented the BBC nature series Springwatch since 2009.
Packham was educated at Bitterne Park Secondary School, Taunton’s College, and the University of Southampton, where he received a BSc in Zoology. After graduating, he canceled his study towards a Ph.D. to train as a wildlife cameraman. He formed the production company Head Over Heels with producer Stuart Woodman, making wildlife programmes for Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and the BBC. He is the brother of fashion designer Jenny Packham. He lives in the New Forest with his girlfriend, Charlotte Corney, owner of Isle of Wight Zoo, and his two pet poodles, Itchy and Scratchy.
