Bears differ from other types of predator in their strong, compact body, comparatively broad head with a long snout as well as their small, usually round ears. Almost all species of bear also have no carnassial teeth – teeth which are highly developed in most predators. Their flat, many-ridged molars are adapted to the wide range of food which they eat.

The powerful claws on its five equally long toes serve the bear as versatile tools. Their length and shape differ according to species, but in all cases they are either completely or partially non-retractable.

The great bears typically have huge shoulders with a well-developed musculature, a short back and a small, stubby tail. The males tend to be substantially larger than the females.

The distinctive feature which members of the raccoon family share is a comparatively long tail which is often striped. Like their larger relatives, the great bears, they are plantigrade, meaning that they walk with their feet flat on the ground. They can also stand upright on their hind legs.