Ursidae

A family of large, mostly omnivorous mammals within the order Carnivora, commonly known as bears. Members of Ursidae are characterized by robust bodies, large skulls with well-developed molars adapted for grinding, plantigrade locomotion, and relatively short limbs with non-retractile claws. The family includes eight extant species distributed across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, occupying a wide range of habitats from Arctic tundra to tropical forests. Ursids play significant ecological roles as apex or keystone species, influencing prey populations, vegetation dynamics, and nutrient cycling. Notable genera include Ursus, Ailuropoda, Helarctos, Melursus, and Tremarctos.