Rotbear
Not actually a bear, but similar in size and shape. Named for their tendency to use their long sickle-like claws to drag roadkill off forest roads. Their technique means that they rarely become roadkill themselves. This feeding habit, their unsettling appearance, their favor of densely forested lands, and their shy demeanor has lead the humans of Onus to widely think of them as cryptids. They are technically a mundane beast, however.
Basic Information
Anatomy
An owllike face on a body about the size of a bear but with the sloping spine of a hyena. Their most defining feature are forelimbs that end in long sickle-like claws. The claws look dangerous, but are blunted and mainly used for dragging meals closer.
Ecology and Habitats
They prefer dense forests, especially in valleys that make the echoes of accidents and predator encounters easier to hear. Although they're known for appearing along roads, they actually are just as likely to be found at the bottom of ravines and other sites of death.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Scavengers that specialize in retrieving carrion that most other scavengers wouldn't dare to attempt. Rotbears usually travel in pairs because two sets of hook-hands are better than one when wrestling unfortunates from the bottoms of waterfalls, crevices in caves, or the middle of a busy road.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Very loose, often travel in small groups or pairs with little regard for blood relations.These groups often split up, recombine, and reassemble in unpredictable ways.
Domestication
No attempts at domestication have been made.
Average Intelligence
Low-level problem solving (backtrack to go forward, simple food obstruction puzzles).
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Excellent hearing and even better sense of smell. Their night vision is serviceable but they actually aren't very good at detecting fine details.
Lifespan
20 years
Conservation Status
Rare
Average Height
5 feet at shoulder
Average Weight
230 lbs.
Average Length
6 feet (10 from sickle to toes)
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Usually dark brown or black with white faces.
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