The Atlas Bear is an extinct species of bear, they were distantly related to the Brown Bear.
A probable drawing of an Atlas Bear, from Roman times.
The Atlas Bear was Africa's only native bear that survived into modern times. Once inhabiting the Atlas Mountains and neighbouring areas, from Morocco to Libya, the animal is now thought to be extinct. The Atlas Bear was brownish black in color, and lacked a white mark on the muzzle. The fur on the underparts was reddish orange. The fur was 4–5 inches (100–130 mm) long. The muzzle and claws were shorter than those of the American Black Bear, though it was stouter and thicker in body. It apparently fed on roots, acorns and nuts.