Swamp Bear

Among the most fearsome inhabitants of Northern Swamp Lands, are the fearsome Swamp Bears. Omnivores of the highest caliber, these massive apex predators are known to predate on nearly every other species in their local environments, including humanoids.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Most interesting of all features of swamp bears are their longer paddle-like paws and tales, they use to swim quickly through their wetland homes. They possess fearsome sharp fangs, capable of piercing the hides and scales of most creatures in their environment. Their fur is dense and highly hydrophobic.

Genetics and Reproduction

Swamp Bears reproduce yearly, usually during their winter dormancy period. Males are especially aggressive in the late spring during rutting season, and females most dangerous during the early months to late summer when guarding their cubs.

Ecology and Habitats

Swamp Bears live in swamps, marshlands and mangroves across Boreis. They thrive best in large and heavily forested territories; particularly the mangroves of the Mervine Delta.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Swamp bears are an apex predator in their biome, few rival their sheer power and size, and no creatures besides hunters and lizardfolk are known to hunt for them. Swamp Bears supplement their diets with fruits, berries and honey. Swamp Bears will also consume leafy vegetables particularly wild rice and kelp but tend to only do so out of desperation.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Swamp bears are solitary and extremely territorial, grouping only during mating seasons and while raising young.

Domestication

Swamp bears have proven extremely resistant to taming. Too clever for their own good, as some call it. Some hunters have been known to befriend the creatures, over time, and it is common for villages within a swamp bears range to intentionally leave food for the creature.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Swamp Bears have little commercial value, their hides are often unworkable due to the heavy moss infestations, and their bones offer no specific value as reagents or scrimshaw. When they are hunted it is usually either to remove them as threats to livestock or particularly aggressive "man-eaters". They are occasionally hunted for sport or ritual usage by Lizardfolk, Goblinoids, and Urokir.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Swamp Bears are found throughout Boreis, living exclusively in wetlands, swamps, and mangroves. There are significant differences between Eastern and Western Swamp Bears, relating predominantly to size and temperament. Western Swamp Bears are larger and more territorial. Few Swamp Bears remain along the wetlands of the interior continent, as the Argenine Empire has conducted frequent extermination campaigns against these creatures.

Average Intelligence

Swamp Bears are highly intelligent creatures, they have been observed utilizing clever hunting strategies including camouflage and even instances of baiting. Many regard these creatures as dangerously cunning opponents.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Swamp bears possess an exceptional sense of smell and sight, known to be able to track prey far across their wetland home.

Scientific Name

Ursine Mervinae

Lifespan

30 years

Average Height

An adult male swamp bear may grow to be as tall as 2.3m at the shoulder, or a staggering 3m tall on its haunches. Females are slightly smaller around 2.1m and 2.7 respectively.

Average Weight

An adult male weighs around 800kg, females slightly lighter weigh around 720kg.

Average Length

Both males and females tend to grow to a length of 2.5m, not including their long paddle like tails.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Swamp Bears typically have thick brown hair, but are known to intentionally cultivate moss on their backs as a mutualistic camouflage mechanism.