Brown Bear
Large Beast · · CR 1
- Beast
- Large
- Tier 1
CR 1 large beast, unaligned — that's Brown Bear. Native to arctic, forest, and hill. Sourced from Monster Manual (5e 2014) and Monster Manual (5.5e 2024).
Stat Block
- Challenge Rating
- 1
- Type
- Beast
- Size
- Large
- Alignment
- —
- Speed
- —
- Habitats
- Arctic, Forest, Hill
- Sources
- Monster Manual (5e 2014), Monster Manual (5.5e 2024)
Ecology
Brown Bears (grizzlies, in some regions) are large omnivores ranging across northern forests, hills, and arctic edges. Adults weigh 600–900 lbs and require large home ranges (50–500 square miles). Diet: salmon, berries, roots, carrion, the occasional moose calf or unwary hiker. Females raise cubs for 2–3 years and are notoriously aggressive in their defense. Males avoid one another except in mating season.
Behaviour
Brown Bears are **committed combatants** when provoked, unlike their black-bear cousins. They charge, swat, and bite with crushing power and rarely disengage from a serious threat unless the encounter clearly turns against them. They are excellent swimmers, keen smellers, and decent climbers despite their size. They tolerate low-noise human presence at distance but resent crowding.
Origin
Brown bears are natural megafauna, but druidic tradition holds them as **sacred** in many northern cultures. The first **Werebear** is said to have been a brown bear blessed by a moon-goddess to defend her sacred grove; modern werebears are sometimes mistaken for brown bears at distance. Some brown bears are **awakened** druid companions, capable of speech and tactical coordination — invaluable allies in wilderness campaigns.
Related Monsters
Frequently Asked Questions about Brown Bear
- What is the challenge rating of Brown Bear?
- Brown Bear's challenge rating is 1. A party in this band works against tier-1 parties.
- What type of creature is Brown Bear?
- Brown Bear is classified as a beast in D&D 5e, large size.
- Where does Brown Bear live?
- In the bestiary, Brown Bear appears in Arctic, Forest, Hill.