Bearcat

Bearcats are large apex hunters that have no natural predators, except humanoids. Those who want to prove their courage often hunt bearcats for the prestige of claiming its enormous hide.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Its body has a broad chest, powerfully muscled forelimbs, and a long broad tail about half the length of its body. The broad head, short muzzle, long fangs, and enormous paws are terrifying to its prey. Its front claws are only partially retractable, staying out about 1-2 inches but fully extracted they measure 4-6 inches in length. These claws are formidable weapons for hunting and defending themselves, and they are very skillful at climbing trees. Many only descend the trees only to hunt animals that are ground dwellers.

Biological Traits

Bearcats have an unusual adaptation to protect their spine and vital organs. This is a subdermal shell/body plates similar to turtle shells. They even had deep-set eyes and bony ridges over them. It is suggested that this is to help them survive their battles for dominance during the mating season. They are thought to be nocturnal predators, but in wilderness areas, with no humanoids present they often hunt in daylight, sunrise, or sunset. Those that live in the forest are generally stalk-and-ambush predators, but those that like on the plains are most commonly chase predators.

Genetics and Reproduction

Bearcats have a notable sexual dimorphism between males and females, with the latter being consistently smaller. Males have wider paw pads, enabling sex to be told by their tracks.

Ecology and Habitats

Bearcats live in a variety of areas, because of their size no one can tell them where they can go. Many prefer the forests, but they can be found almost anywhere.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Bearcats are hypercarnivores, their diet consists of 70-90% meat. To keep their strength up they need to eat 1/4-1/3 of their weight of meat in a day. Their diet depends on their location, many prefer ungulates, primates or rodents, even smaller carnivores. They primarily hunt large mammals, but are opportunistic hunters and will often take any prey that's available. The rest of their diet often consists of roots, berries, fruit, and bark.

Additional Information

Social Structure

They are mostly solitary hunters, at times they can be found hunting in mated pairs, mother and daughter, or twin siblings. Cubs often stay with their mother for up to two years, although the males usually leave after one year. The females can stay as long as 4, but rarely.

Domestication

During the Chaos Wars, they were often trained as warbeasts and shock troops.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Some consider their meat as delicious, and their fur is highly sought after.

Facial characteristics

Their faces is broad with a short muzzle. It appears to be a cross between a bear and a large cat.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Anywhere on Atlantia, they can often be found swimming to nearby islands/continents.

Average Intelligence

They are cunning predators, with and animal intelligence.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They have excellent eyesight, often even able to see into the ultraviolet and heat sense at night. Their senses are so good that it's treated as Keen Senses and Scent.

Civilization and Culture

History

No one knows how a bearcat came to be, it is mostly supposed that it was from the Chaos Wars or genetic manipulate of the Atlantians. Although it could have been a freak of evolution.

This powerful apex predator moves with deadly grace, and a powerful stride. The massive bear's physique promises both speed and lethal force.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Bear, short-faced

Scientific Name

Arctodus felis fatalis

Lifespan

20-40 years

Average Height

5-6 ft at the shoulder, 12-15 ft standing

Average Weight

1,000 to 2200 lbs.

Average Length

8-12 ft with the tail

Average Physique

Because of their long legs, they can run at speeds of 30-40 mph for long periods of time, with bursts of speed of up to 80 mph for short distances. They have even been known to run down horses, antelopes, and elephants.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Its fur has woodland camouflage, with a combination of stripes, patches, and spots; its coloration varies depending on its territory, it can be of any shade of green, brown, or red.

Geographic Distribution

• Atlantia Continent