Dire Bears

Giant Bears of the World

Predators are common throughout the land, bears, wolves, birds of prey flitting through the air. As more creatures in the world appeared, bigger creatures changed the ecosystem, megaflora and fauna that dwarfed even the largest of races. So too did more animals change and grow, becoming more aggressive, once docile creatures gaining more bite to save themselves from what the world had become. Dire creatures appeared, something of nightmares to be feared, but something to rival the Dinosaurs and others that stood so tall above the land.
Dire bears are by far the largest of the dire species to appear in the world as megaflora and fauna became more common. At their simplest description, dire bears are nothing more than oversized bears that have grown beyond their means to deal with a changing world, but that is not the full truth. Dire bears are wholly different, more aggressive, larger, and far more dangerous than even the angriest of Dust Bears found within the Great Plains. Even those dire bears that resemble the Masked Bears and Zenith Bears that are known for their quiet natures are menaces that will rule an area with extreme strength.
Those who have crossed paths with a Dire Bear rarely live to tell the tale. Considered one of the most aggressive predators found throughout the wilds, it is often said that if you see a Dire Bear, it is far too late as the creature has probably already spotted you. Even from a distance, it is possible to tell these creatures are far from docile and threaten even the likes of Dinosaurs in the places where the two live in close proximity. Few would ever willingly cross paths with Dire Bears and even fewer still would ever want to cross into their territory unarmed.

Basic Information

Plush Fur

Brown Bear by Jeremy Vessey on Unsplash

Dire Bears have some of the softest and plushest furs of any bear, making it a coveted resource if one can get their hands on it. This fur allows these bears to live in some of the harshest conditions in the world and thrive when other animals do not.

Anatomy

Dire bears are considered to be the largest bear species in the world, ranging up to thirteen feet in length and roughly seven feet at the shoulder. Depending on the season and gender, one of these bears can weigh upwards of two thousand pounds. These bears are considered to be the largest predators in the areas they inhabit, but some areas have still bigger predators.
Throughout the year, these creatures will grow thicker hair to prepare themselves for the colder winter months where they will attempt to find a place to shelter and hibernate for anywhere from three to eight months depending on seasonal changes and their habitat. Some dire bears will not hibernate as their habitat does not provide sufficient shelter and food during the proper times of year.
These bears are very similar to Dust Bears in that they have extremely keen eyesight and hearing that allow them to track their prey. While running, it is believed that Dire Bears can reach speeds of up to twenty-five miles an hour, making them a relatively fast predator. Their large claws are used for catching fish, tearing flesh, and digging or gouging trees when necessary.

Genetics & Reproduction

While many confuse Dire Bears with other types of bears, these bears are not truly the same. At one point, Dire Bears may have been genetically identical to other types of bears and grew outside normal averages, but in modern times, Dire Bears have enough differences to be marked as a wholly separate species. Even so, in most instances, Dire Bears are confused with extremely large Dust Bears, adding more reverence to people’s want to stay away from Dust Bears.

Additional Information

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Dire Bears are one of the only species that can be found on both the Northern and Southern Continents, including the Fire Islands, the Zóni, and the Island of Blessings. Masquerading as overgrown variants of other bear species, Dire Bears will wander the land, making their homes in caves or in open areas where the vegetation allows them a somewhat hidden spot. These bears often live in the most uninhabitable of regions, choosing areas where there is little competition for food and shelter.
Populations of these bears have been known to run other predators out of their territory, including other bears, wolves, and scavengers. Only with Dinosaurs has it been observed that Dire Bears live in some harmony as they tend to not encroach on territory taken by the large reptiles.

Dire Bear

Grizzly Bear by Marco Pagano on Unsplash

Dire Bears are one of many megafaunas that have appeared worldwide as ecosystems grew and changed. These creatures tend to make their homes in places with few, if any, predators bigger than them, but some still live in the Great Plains and fight Dinosaurs for territory.

Scientific Name

Ursus dirus

Origin/Ancestry

Ursus

Lifespan

25 to 40 years

Average Height

7ft to 8ft 6in at the shoulder

Average Weight

1800 lbs to 2400 lbs

Average Length

10 ft to 13 ft

Geographic Distribution

• Nótios
• Vóreios

Smaller Cousins

Dust Bears are often considered to be the most closely related to Dire Bears as many Dire Bears share traits with Dust Bears but are much larger. While this is true in areas of Vóreios where Dire Bears are most often seen, this isn't true across most of the world. Dire Bears resemble many different species of bears depending on their habitat as a way to drive away predators or other animals.