Arctodus

Arctodus is an extinct genus of short-faced bears that inhabited North America during the Pleistocene (about 2.6 Mya until 12,800 years ago). The two recognized species are the lesser short-faced bear (Arctodus pristinus) and the giant short-faced bear (Arctodus simus). Of these species, A. simus was larger, is known from more complete remains, and is considered one of the best-known members of North America's extinct Ice Age megafauna. A. pristinus was largely restricted to the Early Pleistocene of the eastern United States, whereas A. simus had a broader range, with most finds being from the Late Pleistocene of the United States, Mexico and Canada. A. simus evolved from A. pristinus, but both species likely overlapped in the Middle Pleistocene. Both species are relatively rare in the fossil record.

Today considered to be an enormous omnivore, Arctodus simus is believed to be one of the largest known terrestrial carnivorans that has ever existed. Arctodus, like other bears, was highly sexually dimorphic. Adult A. simus ranged between , with females clustering at ≤, and males around . The largest males stood at at the shoulder, and up to tall on their rear legs. Studies suggest that A. simus browsed on C3 vegetation and consumed browsing herbivores such as deer, camelids, and tapir. The species preferred temperate open woodlands, but was adaptable, taking advantage of many habitats and feeding opportunities.