Bears often get a bad rap for being ferocious, dangerous animals. However, some bears are actually quite gentle and docile. If you’re wondering what the nicest bear is, read on to learn all about the friendliest bears in the world.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The panda bear is considered one of the nicest and least aggressive bears due to its herbivorous diet and calm demeanor.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what makes a bear nice, look at characteristics like diet, nature, and relationships with humans. We’ll share details on the most docile bear species and tell you which bears make the best pets.
What Makes a Bear Nice
Herbivorous Diet
Bears that consume mostly plants and fruits tend to have a more docile nature compared to carnivorous bears. For example, the panda bear’s diet is over 99% bamboo, making them very peaceful animals that rarely attack unless seriously provoked.
Their easygoing temperament is likely linked to not needing to hunt other animals for food. According to the World Wildlife Fund, giant pandas spend 10-16 hours a day feeding and can consume up to 84 pounds of bamboo daily.
Calm Temperament
Some bears like the American black bear tend to avoid confrontations when possible. Black bears retreat from humans 50% of the time according to research from Bear.org. Their calm demeanor allows them to coexist near human populations without many dangerous interactions.
Studies show that bears with lower stress hormone levels also display less threatening behavior.
Positive Relationships With Humans
Bears that have positive experiences with humans from a young age see people as a source of food instead of a threat. For example, bears in Yellowstone National Park that are accustomed to tourists tend to be more docile and tolerant of people.
They may even put on entertaining shows to receive food rewards. However, experts warn that bears should still be admired from a safe distance since their behavior can be unpredictable.
Low Levels of Aggression
Less aggressive bears like the sloth bear rarely attack humans unprovoked. Data shows sloth bears were responsible for only 10-15% of fatal bear attacks on humans in India from 1989-1994 per research published in Ursus. Their non-violent manner allows them to be trained for entertainment.
According to National Geographic, dancing sloth bears were once popular in India and bear handlers could even safely sleep next to them at night.
Gentle Nature
Some individual bears develop very gentle, friendly natures even if their species is not known to be nice on average. For example, Jim Kowalczik, founder of the Orphaned Wildlife Center in New York, adopted an orphaned black bear cub named Mickey in 2011 who became so tame that he behaves much like a dog.
Despite potential danger, Kowalczik told BoredPanda, “I spend pretty much 24 hours a day with Mickey…He gives so much love…that I cannot help but love him back.”
The Nicest Bear Species
Giant Pandas
The highly endangered giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is known as one of the friendliest and most docile bear species. These cuddly bears mostly live in bamboo forests high in the mountains of western China.
They spend over 12 hours a day eating and sleeping, with the remainder used for climbing trees and caring for their young. According to the World Wildlife Fund, there are only 1,864 giant pandas remaining in the wild.
Their diet of bamboo makes them appear lazy, but they are excellent tree climbers as well.
Sloth Bears
The shaggy-haired sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) of South Asia is an amiable species that enjoys social grooming and resting in groups. These medium-sized bears feed on insects, fruits, and honey using their long snouts and lips to suck up tasty treats.
While sloth bears appear slow, they can sprint up to 30 miles per hour to elude threats. As per IUCN Red List, around 10,000–20,000 sloth bears remain due to habitat loss and poaching.
Sun Bears
The sweet-natured sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest bear species, but one of the most playful and sociable as well. These Southeast Asian bears delight in wrestling, hugging, and tickling each other.
Sun bears enjoy a diverse, omnivorous diet ranging from fruits to insects to small animals. They are strong climbers but often hide out in hollow logs. According to WWF, sun bear numbers are declining, with perhaps less than 10,000 left.
Spectacled Bears
The sole bear native to South America, the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is a mellow, normally shy plant-eater that enjoys munching on bromeliads and orchids. They are about the same size as American black bears but appear darker in color.
Spectacled bears are strong tree-climbers, building platforms in the rainforest canopy to lounge upon away from humans. Due to deforestation and poaching, spectacled bears are now considered vulnerable, with fewer than 10,000 remaining.
American Black Bears
Lastly, the familiar American black bear (Ursus americanus) can display a friendly temperament when raised in proximity to human populations. They are North America’s smallest and most common bear species.
While generally fearful of humans, black bears are intelligent and adaptable; those living near campgrounds, parks, or homes often become used to the presence of people. According to the Bear Wise organization, there are over 900,000 black bears distributed across nearly the entire North American continent.
Why Pandas Are Considered the Nicest
Herbivorous Eaters
Unlike other species of bears which are omnivorous or carnivorous, giant pandas are herbivores, feeding almost exclusively on bamboo. Their diet consists of up to 99% bamboo (National Zoo). This makes them gentle, calm, and much less threatening to humans and other animals.
Their placid nature developed due to not having to hunt other animals for food.
Calm and Gentle
Pandas are typically very calm and gentle, spending much of their day relaxing and consuming bamboo. According to the World Wildlife Fund, pandas can spend up to 14 hours a day feeding and resting. Their energy requirements are low thanks to their bamboo diet.
This contributes to pandas’ serene and peaceful disposition.
Endearing Appearance
With their roly-poly bodies, big eyes, round heads, and fluffy fur, pandas have an extremely cute and endearing appearance. Their facial markings make them look like they are always smiling happily. No other bear species shares such an adorable look.
This charming appearance makes them highly likeable and popular around the world.
Positive Relationships with Humans
Most bears avoid humans or can be quite aggressive towards them. However, pandas typically have neutral or even positive relationships with human caretakers and staff at conservation centers and zoos. Their calm demeanor allows staff to monitor, feed, and care for them safely on a daily basis.
Videos of staff playing with happy, energetic panda cubs further showcase pandas’ safe interactions with humans compared to other bear species.
Low Aggression and Docile Nature
Pandas are extraordinarily peaceful animals. They are not territorial and do not seem to mind close proximity with other pandas. Females even allow males access after giving birth (San Diego Zoo). Pandas rarely display aggression, even when stressed or frightened.
If they feel threatened, they usually flee rather than attack. Their docile nature sets them apart from other bears in terms of friendliness towards humans and wildlife.
Other Docile Bear Species
Sloth Bears
Sloth bears (Melursus ursinus) are another fairly docile bear species that live in South Asia. These shaggy-furred bears have a body shape adapted for climbing and digging, with long claws and a protruding muzzle. Sloth bears typically avoid confrontations when possible.
However, females can be quite aggressive when defending cubs. Overall though, sloth bears are not considered an overly dangerous species. Their diets consist mainly of termites and fruits.
Sun Bears
The diminutive sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) is the smallest bear species in the world, weighing only 60-145 lbs as adults. They inhabit tropical forests in Southeast Asia. Sun bears are quite docile and non-confrontational.
Their arboreal nature and primarily vegetarian diet make them unlikely to pose a threat to humans. Fierce maternal defensiveness is really the only scenario in which a sun bear might attack. Their unique physical traits like a long tongue and naked chest patch give them a distinctive appearance.
Spectacled Bears
Spectacled bears (Tremarctos ornatus) reside in the cloud forests and high-altitude grasslands of South America. Weighing 120-200 lbs, they are mid-sized bears characterized by the light fur rings around their eyes. Spectacled bears tend to avoid confrontation when possible.
They are shy, reclusive bears that don’t pose much danger to humans unless their cubs are threatened. Their arboreal nature also minimizes human interaction. Spectacled bears are primarily herbivorous, feeding on plants like bromeliads.
American Black Bears
The American black bear (Ursus americanus) is a common bear species found throughout much of North America. Weighing typically 100-500 lbs, black bears are mid-sized omnivorous bears. While males can be aggressive in mating scenarios, black bears generally avoid contact with humans when possible.
According to bear safety resources like The Bear League, black bear attacks are quite rare compared to their brown bear relatives. Their opportunistic, timid nature makes them less of a threat. Proper food storage and respectful behavior can prevent most negative human-black bear encounters.
Asiatic Black Bears
Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) are the Asian counterpart to American black bears. These shaggy-furred bears inhabit forests and woodlands from Iran to Japan. Weighing up to 350 lbs, they are also mid-sized omnivorous bears.
Asiatic black bears are generally quite timid and avoid human interaction when possible. However, according to sources like Yellowstone National Park, they may aggressively defend food sources and have attacked people on rare occasions.
Their predation patterns focus mainly on ants, fruits, acorns, and the occasional small mammal though. Overall, Asiatic black bears do not actively hunt humans and incidents are infrequent.
Bears That Can Be Kept as Pets
When it comes to keeping bears as pets, there are a few key considerations around legality, suitable species, care requirements, and potential risks that need to be taken into account.
Legality of Keeping Bears as Pets
In most areas, it is illegal to keep bears as pets. Bears are classified as exotic animals, and laws restrict private ownership to protect public safety and bear welfare. There are a few exceptions in some U.S. states that allow certain bear species to be kept as pets with a permit.
Best Pet Bear Species
The bear species most suitable for private ownership are generally smaller, more docile breeds like:
- American black bear
- Asian black bear
- Sloth bear
- Sun bear
Larger bear species like grizzlies, polar bears, and Kodiak bears are almost never allowed as pets given their size, strength, and unpredictable temperaments.
Care Requirements for Pet Bears
Bears need specialized care and housing to thrive as pets. Some key requirements include:
- Spacious outdoor enclosure with a pool/pond and climbing structures
- Climate-controlled indoor enclosure for sleeping
- Species-appropriate diet – mixes of fruits, vegetables, proteins
- Veterinary care from exotics specialists
- Stimulation and enrichment activities
Pet bears also need lots of attention and interaction for proper socialization. Even with the right facilities and care, bears have complex needs that make them challenging pets.
Potential Risks of Bear Pets
There are many risks associated with keeping bears as pets, including:
- Public safety – Even well-trained bears can be unpredictable and dangerous
- Injuries – Bears are incredibly strong and can unintentionally harm owners
- Legal violations – Permit requirements for pet bears are strict and bears may be confiscated if regulations aren’t followed
- Poor welfare – Bears often develop health and behavioral issues in captive pet environments
- Escape – Pet bears that get loose put communities in danger
Ultimately, bears are wild animals unsuited for domestic life. Responsible pet ownership means sticking to more traditional companion animals better adapted to households.
Precautions Around Bear Encounters
Give Bears Space
When adventuring in bear country, it is crucial to give bears adequate space and not encroach on their territory. Bears generally avoid confrontations with humans, but can attack if surprised, threatened, or defending cubs or a food source.
The best way to prevent unfortunate encounters is to make noise while hiking so bears hear you coming, be especially cautious around dense vegetation and streams where bears may be fishing, and use extra care at dawn and dusk when bears are most active.
Avoid Surprising Bears
Startling a bear can cause the animal to react defensively and attack. To avoid surprising bears, make noise such as clapping, singing, or talking while hiking on trails in bear territory. This gives bears advance warning to flee before an encounter occurs.
You can also tie bells to your backpack or walking sticks to alert bears of your presence. Be extra vigilant in areas with limited visibility and side-to-side hiking can help scans ahead instead of just looking down at the trail.
Unexpected bear meetings lead to the vast majority of harmful human-bear incidents, so making noise is key.
Watch for Signs of Aggression
Learn to identify hostile bear behaviors so you know when to slowly create distance. Warning signs include huffing, jaw popping, bluff charging (running at you but stopping short), and swatting the ground. Raising up on hind legs is normally curiosity, not aggression.
However, if the ears are back, hair raised on the neck, loud woofing, paw swatting, lunging, or teeth showing occur, the bear may be poised to attack.
Back Away Slowly
If confronted by an aggressive bear, calmly and carefully back away while keeping the animal in sight. Running triggers chase instincts, so move sideways diagonally to appear less threatening. Back away slowly while avoiding direct sustained eye contact but still keeping the bear visible.
Do not turn your back, crouch down, scream, run away, or make sudden movements which can all incite an attack. Remember that bears can run very fast, 30+ mph, so cannot be outrun.
Use Bear Spray as a Last Resort
As an absolute last line of defense, bear spray can be highly effective at stopping aggressive attacks. According to BeBearAware.org, bear spray was 92% successful at stopping attacks in a 2017 . Bear spray contains capsaicinoids derived from peppers and 2-10 seconds of spray to the face irritants the eyes, lungs, and mucus membranes of bears to halt an attack.
The safety distance of up to 40 feet gives time for the user to escape as the animal tries stopping the stinging discomfort. So while noisy hiking and avoidance are best, properly-used bear spray can save lives in emergency close encounters.
Conclusion
While all wild bears deserve caution and respect, some species like pandas and sloth bears are known for their gentle, non-aggressive natures. Docile bears tend to be herbivores, live solitary lives, and avoid conflicts. Still, proper precautions should always be taken during bear encounters.
With their endearing appearance and personalities, it’s no wonder pandas get the title of nicest bear. However, several bear species make good candidates when it comes to the friendliest bears. Understanding bear behaviors and being respectful in the wilderness can go a long way in staying safe around these magnificent animals.
