There are eight living bear species under the modern taxonomy of the family Ursidae. They are the giant panda, spectacled bear, sloth bear, sun bear, American black bear, brown bear, polar bear, and Asian black bear.
These species are grouped into three subfamilies. The giant panda is the sole living member of Ailuropodinae, while the spectacled bear alone represents Tremarctinae. The remaining six species belong to Ursinae, although authorities differ slightly on how those species are divided among genera.
The number eight refers to living species, not every bear species ever known. Fossil records include more than 100 extinct ursid species, and taxonomists continue to debate whether certain populations should be recognized as separate species or subspecies. That is why older sources or specialist classifications may produce different counts.
Red pandas, raccoons, and koalas are not included: despite familiar names or appearances, they are not members of the bear family. Likewise, hybrids and extinct prehistoric bears do not change the standard count of eight extant species.