Bears are carnivoran mammals of the Ursidae Family.  They are classified as coniforms, or doglike carnivorans.  Although only eight species of bears are extant, they are widespread, appearing in a wide variety of habitats throughout the North Hemisphere and partially in the Southern  Hemisphere.  Bears are found on the continents of North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.  Common characteristics of modern bears include large bodies with stocky legs, long snouts, small rounded ears, shaggy hair, plantigrade paws with five nonretractile claws, and short tails.