Bears

Introduction

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  1.   1.  Speech
  2.   2.  Uses
  3.   3.  Types
    1.   3.1  Black Bear
  4.   4.  Notable 'Souls Individuals
  5.   5.  Additional Resources
    1.   5.1  Icons
  6.   6.  Sources

The American black bear is the only ursine mammal native to 'Souls, and can be spotted frequently in the territories from spring to autumn. They prefer heavily vegetated woodlands or mountain ranges and can more often be found in these regions than in flat, sparsely forested terrain. As winter approaches, however, the bears begin their months-long hibernation that makes them largely absent while frost makes vegetation dormant and snow is deep.

Despite being previously allowed in the early years of the RP forum, Brown Bears (to include Grizzly bears) and Polar Bears are not native to the 'Souls territories, and should not be referenced within or around 'Souls.

1.  Speech

According to our Speech Guide, this creature speaks High Speech naturally. It is therefore able to communicate with Luperci -- however, keep in mind that speech can be complicated by differences in vocal sounds (e.g., a Whale will sound much different from a Bear, even when both are speaking high speech).

2.  Uses

  • Food: Luperci would need to hunt in a group to bring down a healthy bear. Bear meat is often cited as being greasy, coarse in texture, and sweet in flavor. According to some, the "best meat" comes from two-year-old bears which eat more berries than fish. [1]
    • Fat: Historically used as a cooking oil
  • Bear's grease: Made from mixing bear fat and beef marrow; could be used for hair styling or paints (if mixed with clay)
  • Pelts and hides: Because bears have a double coat, the fur is thick, and makes for good, insulating winter clothing. They may be also used as blankets or rugs.
  • Claws and Teeth: Common decorative items
  • Companionship: Due to also being an apex predator, bears rarely partner with Luperci, and are more often killed, chased off, or given a wide berth because of the danger they pose to Luperci and their young. Some bears, however, may tolerate companionship with Luperci if conditions are right.
  • Attacks on Luperci: Attacks on adult Luperci are rare, however, young canines may be susceptible to attack.

3.  Types

3.1  Black Bear

Eastern American Black Bear (Ursus americanus americanus)

Useful Information
  • Description: Despite their name, black bears show a great deal of color variation. Individual coat colors can range from white, blonde, cinnamon, or light brown to dark chocolate brown or to jet black, with many intermediate variations existing.
  • Behavior: Sounds expressing aggression include growls, woofs, snorts, bellows and roars. Sounds expressing contentment include mumbles, squeaks and pants. American black bears tend to be territorial and non-gregarious in nature. Black bears are excellent and strong swimmers, doing so for pleasure and to feed (largely on fish). Black bears climb regularly to feed, escape enemies or to hibernate. They can run at a staggering 48.3 kph (30 mph).
    • Predation: Adult bears have no natural predators aside from rare encounters with Luperci. Bear cubs, however, may be preyed upon by bobcats, cougars, coyotes, wolves, or other bears.
  • Food: Black bears are omnivores with their diets varying greatly depending on season and location. Up to 85% of the black bear's diet consists of vegetation. Some of the black bear's animal diet consists of insects and their larvae. Black bear predation on adult deer is rare but has been recorded. They may even hunt prey up to the size of adult moose, which are considerably larger than themselves, by ambushing them. Over much of their range, black bears are assured scavengers who, using their large size and considerable strength, can intimidate and, if necessary, dominate other predators in confrontations over carcasses.
  • Habitat: They typically live in largely forested areas, but do leave forests in search of food. They are often found in areas with relatively inaccessible terrain, thick understory vegetation and large quantities of edible material. Prime habitat consists of a forest canopy of hardwoods such as beech, Maple, and Birch, and coniferous species.
    • 'Souls Range: It can be found throughout the heavily forested and mountainous regions within 'Souls.
Quick Facts
  • Size:
    • Males: 57–250 kg (130–550 lb)
    • Females: 41–170 kg (90–370 lb)
  • Activity Pattern: Equally Nocturnal & Diurnal
  • Social Structure: Solitary
  • Breeding Season: June-August
  • Birthing Season: January-February
  • Gestation: 235 days
Appearance
American Black Bear
Credit: Unknown Source


4.  Notable 'Souls Individuals

Native Bears
Non-Native Bears


5.  Additional Resources

5.1  Icons

Black bear Bear Bear cub Bear Bear Running bear Standing bear

6.  Sources


Categories: Fauna | Resources