Arctodus is an extinct genus of bear that lived in North America during the Pleistocene epoch, approximately 2.5 million to 11,700 years ago. Known as the giant short-faced bear, it was one of the largest terrestrial mammals of its time, standing up to 12 feet tall when on its hind legs and weighing over 2,500 pounds. This bear had long legs and a slender body, which made it an efficient runner. Arctodus primarily fed on plants, but it was also a scavenger, taking advantage of carcasses left by other predators. Its adaptations allowed it to thrive in various environments, from forests to open grasslands.