The giant short-faced bear (Arctodus Simus) was among the most terrifying predators ever to appear on the North American continent. It lived at a time when the dire wolf, the American lion and the saber-toothed cat known as Smilodon prowled the landscape. As formidable as these legendary carnivores were, all would have given way to the short-faced bear.

According to modern science, this massive beast vanished from North America around 11,000 years ago. However, some believe it could still exist today in the far northern reaches of the continent. These claims are backed by historical accounts of huge, strange bears, and occasional evidence in the form of pelts and other specimens.

As unlikely as it is, the reappearance of an animal thought to be extinct has occurred before. Such a creature is known as a Lazarus Taxon. In the realm of cryptozoology, many legendary monsters are thought to be prehistoric animals that have somehow survived undetected for thousands of years or more.

Is the giant short-faced bear still alive out there somewhere, waiting to be rediscovered? In this article, we’ll take a look at the real Arctodus Simus of paleontology, plus some of the stories that suggest it could still be around today.