Bear vs. Fox — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 17, 2024
A bear is a large mammal known for its strength and thick fur, living in forests and mountains. A fox, on the other hand, is smaller, more agile, and known for its cunning, inhabiting diverse environments from forests to urban areas.
Difference Between Bear and Fox
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Bears are large, powerful mammals belonging to the family Ursidae, with species varying in size from the small sun bear to the massive polar bear. They are generally omnivorous, with diets ranging from plants and berries to fish and smaller mammals. Foxes, in contrast, are smaller members of the Canidae family, known for their slender bodies, bushy tails, and sharp features. They are omnivorous as well, but their diets lean more towards small mammals, birds, and insects, supplemented with fruits and vegetables.
Bears are solitary animals, often roaming large territories alone, except during mating seasons or when mothers are raising their cubs. Foxes, while also capable of solitary living, can show more social behavior, with some species forming small family groups. The social structure of foxes varies significantly between species, with some demonstrating complex social hierarchies.
Habitat-wise, bears cover a broad range, from the Arctic ice to tropical forests, depending on the species. They are adaptable but generally prefer forested areas with ample food supply. Foxes are incredibly adaptable, living in a wide variety of habitats, including forests, deserts, mountains, and even urban areas. Their ability to coexist with humans has made them a common sight in many cities.
Regarding behavior, bears are known for their ability to hibernate—a state of deep sleep during the winter months, allowing them to conserve energy when food is scarce. Foxes do not hibernate; they remain active throughout the year, relying on their cunning to find food and survive in various climates, including cold winters.
While both animals are portrayed in culture and folklore, bears are often depicted as symbols of strength and bravery, whereas foxes are seen as embodiments of cleverness and cunning. This reflects their physical attributes and behaviors observed in the wild.
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Comparison Chart
Size
Large, ranging from 60 to 1000+ kg.
Smaller, generally between 3 to 20 kg.
Diet
Omnivorous, with a preference for fish, mammals, and vegetation.
Omnivorous, favoring small mammals, birds, and fruits.
Social Structure
Mostly solitary, except for mothers with cubs or seasonal mating.
Solitary or small family groups, depending on species.
Habitat
Forests, mountains, Arctic regions.
Forests, deserts, urban areas, and a wide range of climates.
Behavior
Hibernates in winter.
Remains active year-round.
Symbolism
Strength, bravery.
Cunning, cleverness.
Compare with Definitions
Bear
To endure an ordeal or difficulty.
She bore the pain with remarkable patience.
Fox
A member of a scouting movement for young boys, similar to Cubs.
He joined the Foxes group before moving up to Boy Scouts.
Bear
A symbol of strength and courage in various cultures.
In native mythology, the bear represents bravery and fighting spirit.
Fox
A small, omnivorous mammal of the Canidae family, noted for its cunning.
The red fox is known for its beautiful fur and agile movements.
Bear
Large mammal of the family Ursidae, known for its thick fur and powerful build.
The grizzly bear is one of North America's most iconic wild animals.
Fox
A person regarded as clever and deceitful.
He's a fox in business dealings, always a step ahead of his competitors.
Bear
Someone with a rough but kind nature.
Despite his intimidating appearance, he's a gentle bear at heart.
Fox
To trick or deceive.
She foxed everyone with her clever disguise.
Bear
To carry or support.
The bridge was designed to bear heavy loads.
Fox
Foxes are small to medium-sized, omnivorous mammals belonging to several genera of the family Canidae. They have a flattened skull, upright triangular ears, a pointed, slightly upturned snout, and a long bushy tail (or brush).
Bear
To have a tolerance for; endure
Couldn't bear his lying.
Can't bear to see them leave.
Fox
A member of a North American people formerly living in southern Wisconsin, and now mainly in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas.
Bear
To have grounds for; call for; warrant
This case bears investigation.
Fox
The Algonquian language of the Fox, now almost extinct.
Bear
To give birth to
Bore six children.
Fox
Baffle or deceive (someone)
The abbreviation foxed me completely
Bear
To produce; yield
Plants bearing fruit.
Fox
Relating to the Fox or their language.
Bear
To offer; render
I will bear witness to the deed.
Fox
A member of a Native American people formerly inhabiting various parts of southern Michigan, southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and eastern Iowa, with present-day populations in central Iowa and with the Sauk in Oklahoma.
Bear
To yield fruit; produce
Peach trees that bear every summer.
Fox
The Algonquian language of the Fox.
Bear
To have relevance or influence; apply
They studied how the relativity theory bears on the history of science.
Fox
Any of various carnivorous mammals of the family Canidae and especially of the genus Vulpes, found worldwide and characteristically having upright ears, a pointed snout, and a long bushy tail.
Bear
To endure something with tolerance or patience
Bear with me while I explain what happened.
Fox
The fur of one of these mammals.
Bear
To extend or proceed in a specified direction
The road bears to the right at the bottom of the hill.
Fox
A crafty, sly, or clever person.
Bear
To be directed or aimed in a certain direction or at a target
The guns were brought to bear upon the approaching fleet.
Fox
(Nautical) Small cordage made by twisting together two or more strands of tarred yarn.
Bear
Any of various usually omnivorous mammals of the family Ursidae that have a shaggy coat and a short tail and walk with the entire lower surface of the foot touching the ground.
Fox
(Archaic) A sword.
Bear
Any of various other animals, such as the koala, that resemble a true bear.
Fox
To trick or fool by ingenuity or cunning; outwit.
Bear
A large, clumsy, or ill-mannered person.
Fox
To baffle or confuse.
Bear
One, such as an investor, that sells securities or commodities in expectation of falling prices.
Fox
To make (beer) sour by fermenting.
Bear
A pessimist, especially regarding business conditions.
Fox
To repair (a shoe) by attaching a new upper.
Bear
(Slang) Something that is difficult or unpleasant
The final exam was a bear.
Fox
(Obsolete) To intoxicate.
Bear
(Slang) A highway patrol officer.
Fox
To act slyly or craftily.
Bear
(Slang) A hairy, stocky gay man.
Fox
To turn sour in fermenting. Used of beer.
Bear
Characterized by falling prices
A bear market.
Fox
A red fox, small carnivore (Vulpes vulpes), related to dogs and wolves, with red or silver fur and a bushy tail.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Bear
A large, generally omnivorous mammal (a few species are purely carnivorous or herbivorous), related to the dog and raccoon, having shaggy hair, a very small tail, and flat feet; a member of the family Ursidae.
Fox
Any of numerous species of small wild canids resembling the red fox. In the taxonomy they form the tribe Vulpini within the family Canidae, consisting of nine genera (see the Wikipedia article on the fox).
Bear
The meat of this animal.
We had barbecued bear for dinner.
Fox
The fur of a fox.
Bear
(figuratively) A rough, unmannerly, uncouth person.
Fox
A fox terrier.
Bear
(finance) An investor who sells commodities, securities, or futures in anticipation of a fall in prices.
Fox
The gemmeous dragonet, a fish, Callionymus lyra, so called from its yellow color.
Bear
A state policeman short for Smokey Bear.
Fox
A cunning person.
Bear
(engineering) A portable punching machine.
Fox
A physically attractive man or woman.
Bear
(nautical) A block covered with coarse matting, used to scour the deck.
Fox
A person with reddish brown hair, usually a woman.
Bear
(cartomancy) The fifteenth Lenormand card.
Fox
(nautical) A small strand of rope made by twisting several rope-yarns together. Used for seizings, mats, sennits, and gaskets.
Bear
Something difficult or tiresome; a burden or chore.
That window can be a bear to open.
Fox
(mechanics) A wedge driven into the split end of a bolt to tighten it.
Bear
(obsolete) A pillowcase; a fabric case or covering as for a pillow.
Fox
A hidden radio transmitter, finding which is the goal of radiosport.
Bear
To endeavour to depress the price of, or prices in.
To bear a railroad stock
To bear the market
Fox
(cartomancy) The fourteenth Lenormand card.
Bear
To carry or convey, literally or figuratively.
They came bearing gifts.
Judging from the look on his face, he wasn't bearing good news.
The little boat bore us to our destination.
This plant's light and fluffy seeds may be borne by the wind to remote islands.
Fox
(obsolete) A sword; so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
Bear
To carry upon one's person, especially visibly; to be equipped with.
The right to bear arms
Fox
Air-to-air weapon launched.
Bear
To wear. en
Fox
(transitive) To trick, fool or outwit (someone) by cunning or ingenuity.
Bear
To carry (offspring in the womb), to be pregnant (with).
The scan showed that the ewe was bearing twins.
Fox
(transitive) To confuse or baffle (someone).
This crossword puzzle has completely foxed me.
Bear
(transitive) To have or display (a mark or other feature).
She still bears the scars from a cycling accident.
The stone bears a short inscription.
This bears all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack.
Fox
(intransitive) To act slyly or craftily.
Bear
(transitive) To display (a particular heraldic device) on a shield or coat of arms; to be entitled to wear or use (a heraldic device) as a coat of arms.
The shield bore a red cross.
Fox
(intransitive) To discolour paper. Fox marks are spots on paper caused by humidity. (See foxing.)
The pages of the book show distinct foxing.
Bear
(transitive) To present or exhibit (a particular outward appearance); to have (a certain look).
He bore the look of a defeated man.
Fox
(transitive) To make sour, as beer, by causing it to ferment.
Bear
(transitive) To have (a name, title, or designation).
The school still bears the name of its founder.
Fox
(intransitive) To turn sour; said of beer, etc., when it sours in fermenting.
Bear
(transitive) To possess or enjoy (recognition, renown, a reputation, etc.); to have (a particular price, value, or worth).
The dictator bears a terrible reputation for cruelty.
Fox
(transitive) To intoxicate; to stupefy with drink.
Bear
To have (interest or a specified rate of interest) stipulated in its terms.
The bond bears a fixed interest rate of 3.5%.
Fox
(transitive) To repair (boots) with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
Bear
To have (an appendage, organ, etc.) as part of the body; (of a part of the body) to have (an appendage).
Only the male Indian elephant bears tusks.
Fox
A carnivorous animal of the genus Vulpes, family Canidæ, of many species. The European fox (V. vulgaris or V. vulpes), the American red fox (V. fulvus), the American gray fox (V. Virginianus), and the arctic, white, or blue, fox (V. lagopus) are well-known species.
Subtle as the fox for prey.
Bear
(transitive) To carry or hold in the mind; to experience, entertain, harbour (an idea, feeling, or emotion).
To bear a grudge, to bear ill will
Fox
The European dragonet.
Bear
To feel and show (respect, reverence, loyalty, etc.) to, towards, or unto a person or thing.
The brothers had always borne one another respect.
Fox
The fox shark or thrasher shark; - called also sea fox. See Thrasher shark, under Shark.
Bear
(transitive) To possess inherently (a quality, attribute, power, or capacity); to have and display as an essential characteristic.
To bear life
Fox
A sly, cunning fellow.
We call a crafty and cruel man a fox.
Bear
To have (a relation, correspondence, etc.) to something else.
The punishment bears no relation to the crime.
Fox
Rope yarn twisted together, and rubbed with tar; - used for seizings or mats.
Bear
(transitive) To give (written or oral testimony or evidence); (figurative) to provide or constitute (evidence or proof), give witness.
His achievements bear testimony to his ability.
The jury could see he was bearing false witness.
Fox
A sword; - so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
Thou diest on point of fox.
Bear
(transitive) To have (a certain meaning, intent, or effect).
This word no longer bears its original meaning.
Fox
A tribe of Indians which, with the Sacs, formerly occupied the region about Green Bay, Wisconsin; - called also Outagamies.
Bear
To behave or conduct (oneself).
She bore herself well throughout the ordeal.
Fox
To intoxicate; to stupefy with drink.
I drank . . . so much wine that I was almost foxed.
Bear
To possess and use, to exercise (power or influence); to hold (an office, rank, or position).
Fox
To make sour, as beer, by causing it to ferment.
Bear
To carry a burden or burdens.
Fox
To repair the feet of, as of boots, with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
Bear
To take or bring (a person) with oneself; to conduct.
Fox
To turn sour; - said of beer, etc., when it sours in fermenting.
Bear
To support, sustain, or endure.
Fox
Alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs
Bear
(transitive) To support or sustain; to hold up.
This stone bears most of the weight.
Fox
A shifty deceptive person
Bear
To endure or withstand (hardship, scrutiny, etc.); to tolerate; to be patient (with).
The pain is too much for me to bear.
I would never move to Texas — I can't bear heat.
This reasoning will not bear much analysis.
Please bear with me as I try to find the book you need.
Fox
The gray or reddish-brown fur of a fox
Bear
(transitive) To sustain, or be answerable for (blame, expense, responsibility, etc.).
The hirer must bear the cost of any repairs.
Fox
English statesman who supported American independence and the French Revolution (1749-1806)
Bear
(transitive) To admit or be capable of (a meaning); to suffer or sustain without violence, injury, or change.
Fox
English religious leader who founded the Society of Friends (1624-1691)
Bear
(transitive) To warrant, justify the need for.
This storm definitely bears monitoring.
Fox
A member of an Algonquian people formerly living west of Lake Michigan along the Fox River
Bear
To support, keep up, or maintain.
Fox
The Algonquian language of the Fox people
Bear
(transitive) To afford, to be something to someone, to supply with something. en
Fox
Deceive somebody;
We tricked the teacher into thinking that class would be cancelled next week
Bear
(transitive) To carry on, or maintain; to have. en
Fox
Be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly;
These questions confuse even the experts
This question completely threw me
This question befuddled even the teacher
Bear
To press or impinge upon.
Fox
Become discolored with, or as if with, mildew spots
Bear
To push, thrust, press.
The rope has frayed where it bears on the rim of the wheel.
Bear
To take effect; to have influence or force; to be relevant.
To bring arguments to bear
How does this bear on the question?
Bear
Of a weapon, to be aimed at an enemy or other target.
The cannons were wheeled around to bear upon the advancing troops.
Bear
To produce, yield, give birth to.
Bear
To give birth to (someone or something) may take the father of the direct object as an indirect object.
In Troy she becomes Paris’ wife, bearing him several children, all of whom die in infancy.
Bear
To produce or yield something, such as fruit or crops.
This year our apple trees bore a good crop of fruit.
Bear
To be, or head, in a specific direction or azimuth (from somewhere).
Carry on past the church and then bear left at the junction.
By my readings, we're bearing due south, so we should turn about ten degrees east.
Great Falls bears north of Bozeman.
Bear
To gain or win.
Bear
Characterized by declining prices in securities markets or by belief that the prices will fall.
The great bear market starting in 1929 scared a whole generation of investors.
Bear
To support or sustain; to hold up.
Bear
To support and remove or carry; to convey.
I 'll bear your logs the while.
Bear
To conduct; to bring; - said of persons.
Bear them to my house.
Bear
To possess and use, as power; to exercise.
Every man should bear rule in his own house.
Bear
To sustain; to have on (written or inscribed, or as a mark), as, the tablet bears this inscription.
Bear
To possess or carry, as a mark of authority or distinction; to wear; as, to bear a sword, badge, or name.
Bear
To possess mentally; to carry or hold in the mind; to entertain; to harbor
The ancient grudge I bear him.
Bear
To endure; to tolerate; to undergo; to suffer.
Should such a man, too fond to rule alone,Bear, like the Turk, no brother near the throne.
I cannot bearThe murmur of this lake to hear.
My punishment is greater than I can bear.
Bear
To gain or win.
Some think to bear it by speaking a great word.
She was . . . found not guilty, through bearing of friends and bribing of the judge.
Bear
To sustain, or be answerable for, as blame, expense, responsibility, etc.
He shall bear their iniquities.
Somewhat that will bear your charges.
Bear
To render or give; to bring forward.
Bear
To carry on, or maintain; to have.
Bear
To admit or be capable of; that is, to suffer or sustain without violence, injury, or change.
In all criminal cases the most favorable interpretation should be put on words that they can possibly bear.
Bear
To manage, wield, or direct.
Hath he borne himself penitently in prison?
Bear
To afford; to be to; to supply with.
His faithful dog shall bear him company.
Bear
To bring forth or produce; to yield; as, to bear apples; to bear children; to bear interest.
Here dwelt the man divine whom Samos bore.
Bear
To produce, as fruit; to be fruitful, in opposition to barrenness.
This age to blossom, and the next to bear.
Bear
To suffer, as in carrying a burden.
But man is born to bear.
Bear
To endure with patience; to be patient.
I can not, can not bear.
Bear
To press; - with on or upon, or against.
These men bear hard on the suspected party.
Bear
To take effect; to have influence or force; as, to bring matters to bear.
Bear
To relate or refer; - with on or upon; as, how does this bear on the question?
Bear
To have a certain meaning, intent, or effect.
Her sentence bore that she should stand a certain time upon the platform.
Bear
To be situated, as to the point of compass, with respect to something else; as, the land bears N. by E.
Bear
To endeavor to depress the price of, or prices in; as, to bear a railroad stock; to bear the market.
Bear
A bier.
Bear
Any species of the genus Ursus, and of the closely allied genera. Bears are plantigrade Carnivora, but they live largely on fruit and insects.
Bear
An animal which has some resemblance to a bear in form or habits, but no real affinity; as, the woolly bear; ant bear; water bear; sea bear.
Bear
One of two constellations in the northern hemisphere, called respectively the Great Bear and the Lesser Bear, or Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.
Bear
Metaphorically: A brutal, coarse, or morose person.
Bear
A person who sells stocks or securities for future delivery in expectation of a fall in the market.
Bear
A portable punching machine.
Bear
A block covered with coarse matting; - used to scour the deck.
Bear
Barley; the six-rowed barley or the four-rowed barley, commonly the former (Hordeum hexastichon or Hordeum vulgare).
Bear
Massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws
Bear
An investor with a pessimistic market outlook; an investor who expects prices to fall and so sells now in order to buy later at a lower price
Bear
Have;
Bear a resemblance
Bear a signature
Bear
Give birth (to a newborn);
My wife had twins yesterday!
Bear
Put up with something or somebody unpleasant;
I cannot bear his constant criticism
The new secretary had to endure a lot of unprofessional remarks
He learned to tolerate the heat
She stuck out two years in a miserable marriage
Bear
Move while holding up or supporting;
Bear gifts
Bear a heavy load
Bear news
Bearing orders
Bear
Bring forth,
The apple tree bore delicious apples this year
The unidentified plant bore gorgeous flowers
Bear
Take on as one's own the expenses or debts of another person;
I'll accept the charges
She agreed to bear the responsibility
Bear
Contain or hold; have within;
The jar carries wine
The canteen holds fresh water
This can contains water
Bear
Bring in;
Interest-bearing accounts
How much does this savings certificate pay annually?
Bear
Have on one's person;
He wore a red ribbon
Bear a scar
Bear
Behave in a certain manner;
She carried herself well
He bore himself with dignity
They conducted themselves well during these difficult times
Bear
Have rightfully; of rights, titles, and offices;
She bears the title of Duchess
He held the governorship for almost a decade
Bear
Support or hold in a certain manner;
She holds her head high
He carried himself upright
Bear
Be pregnant with;
She is bearing his child
The are expecting another child in January
I am carrying his child
Bear
Bears are carnivoran mammals of the family Ursidae. They are classified as caniforms, or doglike carnivorans.
Bear
To carry (something) on one's person from one place to another
Bore the suitcase to the station.
Bear
To move from one place to another while containing or supporting (something); convey or transport
A train bearing grain.
Bear
To cause to move by or with steady pressure; push
A boat borne along by the current.
Bear
To carry or hold in the mind over time; harbor
Bear a grudge.
Bear ill will.
Bear
To have as a visible characteristic or attribute
A letter bearing his name.
Bear
To conduct (oneself) in a specified way
She bore herself with dignity.
Bear
To hold up; support
This wall bears much of the weight of the roof.
Bear
To be accountable for; assume
Bearing heavy responsibilities.
Common Curiosities
Do bears eat foxes?
While not a common occurrence due to differing habitats and the solitary nature of bears, bears are opportunistic feeders and might prey on foxes if given the chance.
Can bears and foxes live in the same habitat?
Yes, in some regions, the habitats of bears and foxes overlap, especially in forests and mountainous areas, though their lifestyles and diets differ.
How do bears and foxes adapt to winter?
Bears typically hibernate through winter, significantly lowering their metabolism to survive on stored fat, while foxes remain active, using their cunning to find food.
Are foxes as solitary as bears?
Foxes can be solitary, but some species show more complex social behaviors, forming small family groups, which is more social compared to the mostly solitary bears.
What kinds of food do bears prefer in the wild?
Bears have a varied diet that can include fruits, nuts, leaves, fish, and small to medium-sized mammals, depending on the species and habitat availability.
How do bears prepare for hibernation?
Bears prepare for hibernation by eating excessively in the months before winter to build up fat reserves that will sustain them during the months they spend in hibernation.
What are the main physical differences between a bear and a fox?
Bears are significantly larger and stronger than foxes, with thick fur and a robust build, while foxes are smaller, with slender bodies and bushy tails.
Are foxes nocturnal animals?
Foxes are primarily nocturnal, especially in areas populated by humans, to avoid detection. However, in more secluded areas, they can be seen during the day.
Can bears climb trees?
Most bear species, especially black bears, are excellent climbers and can climb trees to forage for food, escape predators, or find a safe resting spot.
What role do bears and foxes play in ecosystems?
Both bears and foxes play crucial roles in their ecosystems, with bears acting as apex predators and agents of seed dispersal, and foxes controlling rodent populations and serving as indicators of environmental health.
What is the lifespan of a bear in the wild vs. captivity?
In the wild, bears can live up to 20-30 years, depending on the species, while in captivity, with proper care, they can live longer, sometimes up to 50 years.
How are bear populations monitored and protected by wildlife conservationists?
Bear populations are monitored through tracking movements with GPS collars, camera traps, and by collecting biological samples. Conservation efforts include habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and public education campaigns.
How do foxes communicate with each other?
Foxes communicate using a range of sounds, from barks and howls to screeches and screams, in addition to using body language and scent marking.
What role do foxes play in folklore and mythology?
Foxes often appear in folklore and mythology as symbols of trickery and wisdom. In many cultures, they are portrayed as clever beings able to outsmart others.
What are the major threats to bear and fox populations?
Major threats include habitat loss due to deforestation and urban expansion, hunting and poaching, and climate change affecting their natural habitats.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
