Ursid incisors are not specialized, the canines are elongate, the first 3 premolars are reduced or lost, and the molars have broad, flat, and tubercular crowns. The carnassials are not developed as such. Habitats range from arctic ice floes to tropical forests. Those populations that occur in open areas often dig dens in hillsides. Others shelter in caves, hollow logs, or dense vegetation.
Bears have a characteristic shuffling gait.
They walk plantigrade, with the heel of the foot touching the ground. They are capable of walking on their hind legs for short distances. When need be, they are surprisingly agile and careful in their movements. Their eyesight and hearing are not particularly good, but their sense of smell is excellent. During the autumn, in most parts of the range of the family, bears become fat.