What is the scientific name of the largest bear species to ever live?

The scientific name of the largest bear species to ever live is Arctotherium angustidens. This extinct giant short-faced bear lived in South America during the Early Pleistocene, roughly 1 million to 400,000 years ago.

Fossil evidence from Argentina suggests that the largest known individual may have weighed around 1,000 to 1,600 kilograms and stood about 3.4 meters tall when balanced on its hind legs. Those estimates make it the largest known bear and a contender for the largest land-dwelling carnivorous mammal ever recorded.

Arctotherium angustidens belonged to the tremarctine group, which also included the better-known North American short-faced bear Arctodus simus and the living spectacled bear. Despite its bear-like appearance, evidence from tooth wear, broken teeth, and stable isotopes suggests that A. angustidens ate substantial amounts of meat, while also being capable of an omnivorous diet.

A common mix-up is choosing Arctodus simus, often called the giant short-faced bear. It was enormous, but the best-supported record for the largest bear belongs to Arctotherium angustidens.