Also known as the bulldog bear or short-faced bear because of its short, broad muzzle the Arctodus simus had a low forehead with eyes set far apart and facing forward giving it excellent vision. It measured 5.5 feet at shoulder height when standing on all 4 and up to 12 feet when on its hind legs with a reach of over 14 feet. Though it weighed as much 2,000 pounds, it had a leaner build than the brown bear. It had much longer limbs than today's brown bears allowing it to run faster (over 40 miles per hour).