In terms of basic features, bears have heavily built bodies with relatively short legs, necks and tails. They have rounded ears and noticeably small eyes relative to their large body size. Bears have heavy fur coats which they shed each year. Bears carry thick layers of subcutaneous fat under their skin.
Most bears are very agile and swift creatures.
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.