Arctodus simus

The Fastest Running Bear That Ever Lived

Also called the bulldog bear, the giant short-faced bear was undoubtedly the fastest running bear that ever lived.  Rangier and longer legged than any bear today, it was about five feet at the shoulders when walking and stood as tall as 12 feet on its hind legs.  Unlike pigeon-toed modern bears, its toes pointed straight forward, enabling it to walk with a fast, purposeful gait.  It probably could run over 40 miles per hour despite weighing over 1500 pounds.