What is short faced bear vs polar bear?

The short-faced bear, also known as Arctodus simus, was an extinct species of bear that lived in North America during the Pleistocene epoch. It was one of the largest terrestrial carnivores that ever existed, weighing up to 2,500 pounds and standing over 11 feet tall when on its hind legs. The polar bear, on the other hand, is a living species of bear that inhabits the Arctic region. It is the largest living carnivore on land, weighing up to 1,700 pounds and standing up to 10 feet tall when on its hind legs.

In terms of physical differences, the short-faced bear had a shorter snout and larger jaw muscles than the polar bear, which gave it greater biting power. It also had shorter claws, which were probably used for grasping and holding onto prey rather than digging or tearing. The polar bear, on the other hand, has longer claws that are adapted for digging through ice and snow to find food.

Another difference between the two species is their diets. The short-faced bear was primarily a scavenger, feeding on the carcasses of large mammals like mammoths and bison, as well as smaller prey like deer and rodents. The polar bear, on the other hand, is a carnivore that feeds mainly on seals, although it will also eat fish and other marine mammals when available.

Overall, while both the short-faced bear and the polar bear were (or are) large, powerful predators, they had different physical adaptations and diets that reflect their unique habitats and lifestyles.