Boreal tibear

One of the largest terrestrial predators on the planet, excluding dragons, boreal tibears are powerful heavy-bodied animals. Fortunately, however, their range is fairly limited, and they are rarely found outside of Sharos's far north, where they inhabit boreal forests.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Large quadrupedal mammals, boreal tibears are heavily muscled with powerful front limbs. Males are significantly larger than females, and on average are close to twice their size and weight. Males also grow longer fur on front limbs, neck, and jaws than females, though long-haired fur growth on cheeks and jaws occurs with both sexes.
It's skull is especially large, somewhat long in shape, as well as broad and powerful. A tall sagittal crest gives them a powerful bite, and grows taller in males than females. Both sexes have large robust skulls, however, with a dentition suited to their carnivorous diet and especially large canines. Ears are fairly small and rounded; eyes are almond-shaped with round pupils.
Boreal tibears are stocky-limbed, but trade in limb length for strength. Their paws are large, and their claws semi-retractable, leaving them off of the ground when not in use. The pads on the bottom of their paws are covered in small dermal bumps, giving them additional traction even without using their claws. Though they can briefly balance on their back legs to fight, they can't walk up keep balance for long, and prefer to use it for intimidation only. Their powerful front limbs are instead used primarily to take down prey, while swimming, or, rarely, to climb. Their long tails are used for balance.
Well-furred, boreal tibears molt twice a year, and have distinct summer and winter coats. During summer their coats are coarse and shorter, with rusty orange on their topside, as well as dark near-black stripes. Their winter coats are longer and softer, but also denser, almost entirely white with thin dark-brown stripes, bordered in dull orange.

Ecology and Habitats

As suggested by their name, boreal tibears are found almost exclusively in the boreal forests of Sharos. They function as apex predators, sharing their range with dragons which typically don't target predators of such size. Though they may trek further north into the tundra, especially during the summer, the coats of boreal tibears make them too obvious and often makes hunting too difficult for them to succeed.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Obligate carnivores, and the apex predators in their ecosystems, boreal tibears eat meat almost exclusively. They feed mostly on mid- to large-sized prey animals, but will also catch and eat smaller prey or carrion if the opportunity strikes. They are ambush hunters, and rely on a quick strike to take down prey; though they can sprint fast, they can't maintain speed for long. Though they don't target other predatory species as prey, they do regularly kill and consume them to keep their ranges to themselves, especially if the other predator may target similar food sources.
Boreal tibears don't usually hunt daily, but prefer to take down larger prey and feed as much as possible, allowing them a few days of respite as they search for fresh opportunity.

Biological Cycle

Though boreal tibears don't migrate or hibernate, they are nonetheless impacted by the changing of seasons. They have two distinct coats for summer and winter, granting them greater camouflage depending on the season, and may see changes in their prey as well.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Boreal tibears have keen senses, with an excellent sense of smell and long-distance vision. Its hearing is also fairly acute, and important in communication with fellow boreal tibears.

Base animals

Siberian tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) & polar bear (Ursus maritimus)

Lifespan

20 years

Average Weight

415 kg (male), 210 kg (female)

Average Length

2.5 m (male), 2.1 m (female)

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

White, rusty orange, black stripes (summer)
White, dark brown stripes (winter)

Geographic Distribution

• Sharos