Bear, Dire

Spittle drips from this feral bear's roaring maw, and its matted fur is broken in places by wicked, bony growths.

Bear, Dire (CR 7)

Large Animal
Alignment: Neutral
Initiative: +5
Senses: Low-Light Vision, Scent; Perception +12

Speed: 40 feet
Space: 10 feet

Defense

Armor Class: 18, touch 10, flat-footed 17 (+1 Dex, +8 natural, -1 size)
Hit Points: 95 (10d8+50)
Saving Throws: Fort +12, Ref +8, Will +4

Offense

Melee: 2 claws +13 (1d6+7 plus Grab), bite +13 (1d8+7)
Reach: 5 feet

Statistics

Str	Dex	Con	Int	Wis	Cha
25 (+7)	13 (+1)	21 (+5)	2 (-4)	12 (+1)	10 (+0)

Base Attack Bonus: +7
CMB +15 (+19 Grapple)
CMD 26 (30 vs. Trip)

Feats: Endurance, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Run, Skill Focus (Perception)

Skills: Perception +12, Swim +19

• Racial Modifiers: +4 Swim

Languages:

Special Abilities

NONE

Ecology

Environment: Cold Forests
Organization: solitary or pair
Treasure: incidental


Larger, more aggressive, and far more deadly than its lesser cousins, the dire bear (known to barbarian tribes variously as the cave bear or the short-faced bear) is a primeval menace indeed. This behemoth avoids more civilized reaches of the world, preferring to dwell in remote wilderness locations. A dire bear is a rare and terrifying sight- especially to those not used to normal bears.

Unlike most bears, a dire bear is short-tempered and swift to anger when confronted with intruders in its territory. Like a grizzly, a dire bear attempts to subdue or kill with its claws. However, a dire bear is far more likely (and willing) to begin biting a grabbed foe.