All bears are capable swimmers and nearly all bears can climb with considerable skill, speed and dexterity. Unlike most carnivores, the lips of bears are not attached to the gums. This allows them to be very mobile and protrusible. The foot of a bear has five toes equipped with curved non-retractable claws. The claws on the hind feet are longer than on the forefeet.
Bears walk in what is called a plantigrade manner as do humans.
This means that the heel and foot are placed flat on the ground when a bear walks. This stance accounts for the ability bears demonstrate to balance on their hind legs. The teeth of modern bears have changed significantly from their predecessors. They have retained the canine teeth useful for catching and killing prey. However, their premolars, the carnassials, once shaped to facilitate the shearing of meat into smaller, swallowable chunks have become the heavy crushing type typical of plant eaters.