Who would win a fight betwen a bear and a shark?

Question

The issue, like so many of lifes great questions, is a simple one:

''Given a relatively level playing field -- i.e., water deep enough so that a Shark could maneuver proficiently, but shallow enough so that a Bear could stand and operate with its characteristic dexterity -- who would win in a fight between a Bear and a Shark?''

This question is based on a book by Chris Bachelder and became a topic for stoned conversation at uni on many a hazy night, and now, friends in yahoo, I invite you to comment. Bear? Shark? You decide!




Oh... I dont want any, 'this isnt realistic', 'this is cruel' or 'the real winner is Jesus' rubbish, this is purely hypothetical question (until I get the planning permission for the arena) and isnt about vegeterianism, Bush, Israel, Jesus, Orlando Bloom or Azif from Pakistan who is looking for a new friend/arranged marriage.

I also want to know why, and how the fight would pan out!

Answer 1

What type of Shark? What type of Bear?
A Koala probably wouldn't last long against a Great White.
But then again a Grizzly Bear would annihilate a Nurse Shark

Lets say we put a Grizzly Bear up against a Tiger Shark in the situation you described

My money's on the shark. It's got the speed advantage over the bear.

Ding Ding......Round One

Shark speeds towards bear.
Bear takes a swipe at shark but hits nothing
Shark bites one of Bears front paws off
Bear falls over, bleeding profusely
Shark goes in for the kill

Thats how I think it would go......let me know when the arena's built though

Answer 2

Hmmm..interesting, well, I would say that the bear would come out the winner purely because it has the greater agility, and the use of a mouth and claws for fighting, whereas the shark only has a mouth. Providing the shark doesn't swim away constantly, if the bear was able to get onto the back of the shark and hold on, it could inflict severe damage with its teeth and claws, and with the bear on its back, the shark wouldn't really stand a chance, because the water is only shallow right? So the shark couldn't swim down deep to drown the bear.

Answer 3

If the water were deep enough for the shark to maneuver properly, the bear would be at a disadvantage moving through the water. Of course, the shark would not attack the bear unless it were starving to death or the bear were bleeding. Assuming one of these is true, the shark would take out the bear's legs and devour it.

On the other hand, if the water were shallow enough that the bear could truly move around fully, the shark would be in abnormally shallow water, and would then be at a disadvantage. The bear, who is proficient at swiping at underwater creatures, could easily claw the shark, wounding it, and then tear it apart and eat it like so much salmon.

Answer 4

I'd say even in a pound for pound match that the shark is going to win, a shark moves so much faster than a bear would have time to react even if say the bear knew it was coming I don't think that the bear would be able to move quick enough or fast enough, so I say the shark, the bear wouldn't stand a chance

Answer 5

I guess it depends on what type of bear and shark? In my view, the shark would win...because I'm thinking of a large shark like a Great White, of course...add in the fact that shark skin is so tough and the fact that there would be enough water for the shark to be able to keep knocking the bear down into the water and half drown him.

Answer 6

Well as much as I fear sharks, given the circumstances, shallow water and all, I would give it to the Grizzly Bear. Sharks for the most part rely on the element of surprise. He might get a good bite in, but once that Bear is injured he would definitely be angry enough and powerful enough to stun a shark with a blow from his paw, drag the thing into shallower water and then maul it to death.

Answer 7

i think of that it may count on the form of undergo/shark and how massive each and each animal is. let's imagine we've a black undergo and a large white shark. It additionally relies upon on why they're scuffling with. I doubt the shark could circulate after the undergo as meals, so the undergo the two thinks its an rather massive fish or is protecting a cub. If its protecting a cub it may win no subject. authentic a shark can chew off a human beings arm and have a huge chew span that should injure the bears legs, for this reason inhibiting using its claws. i could say even with the undeniable fact that, after multiple blood interior the water a undergo could win. they have claws and the teeth, and that i think of extra proper eyesight than a shark.

Answer 8

the only shark likely to meet a bear in real life is the bullshark and i suspect there have already been fights but i can't prove it.
we know polar bears kill whales by thumping on head when they pop through the ice so they have the strength. sharks are easily defeated by hitting around the nose and this is where a bear would concentrate its attack.
a shark bite on the other hand causes massive blood loss.
the correct answer is it depends who gets the first blow in.
typically the shark would circle to determine if it was worth the risk then attempt to bite the bear under water. the bears tactic would be to raise on two legs then crash down on the shark with it front paws ideally on its head. a bite to the bear would lead to death through exaganuration as it bled out the pain from tissue damage would also cause shock leaving the bear unable to defend its self and vunerable. sharks on other hand are virtualy imune to pain so only a head shot or damage to gills would really work, hitting the nose will disorientate the shark and perhaps allow the killer blow.

Answer 9

I would have to say a shark cause even thought their huge, bears aren't really that mean or anything....NO i am not saying that to sound like an animal rights spokesperson but in reality sharks can devour/attack a female blue whale with enought time and patience if they work together. In a one on one fight between a shark and a GAINT whale, the shark is smart enough to back off but with it's buddies the shark kicks butt.
So obviously a shark would win cause its smarter, bigger, has bigger teeth, stronger jaws, mauvers better in water and....the bear would be too busy chasing bees for honey( whinnie the poo), preventing wildfires (Smokey) or going to the bathroom on an empty roll (charmings!) to really care!

Answer 10

I would bet on the shark.

The bear is more out of its element than the shark is. My limited understanding of bears is that they use claws and teeth to overcome their prey. The bear would probably have to be sure that it was stable in the water on all fours in order to have its body weight be an effective added force. I think the shark would have the psychological advantage as well as have easier targets of the bear's legs and belly.