Question
The Wizard of Oz publicity still

What is the largest living land carnivore?

Last updated: November 26, 2025

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Dorothy had the right idea about being intimidated by these massive predators, but a Kansas farm girl probably didn't realize which one should have scared her the most. You've got lions claiming to be kings, tigers flexing their stripes, and bears coming in all shapes and sizes. What is the largest living land carnivore?

Correct Answer: Polar bear

(Source)

Dorothy would have been absolutely terrified if she'd run into a polar bear instead of that Cowardly Lion. While the "Wizard of Oz" lion was all bluster and no bite, a polar bear is a 1,500-pound killing machine that can smell a seal from 20 miles away and has zero fear of humans. The polar bear's paws alone are 12 inches across, perfect for both swimming through icy waters and delivering devastating swipes. Their bite force measures around 1,200 pounds per square inch, which means they could crush a bowling ball without breaking a sweat. And unlike other bears that snack on berries, polar bears are only eating kelp in emergencies, otherwise they're 100% pure meat lovers.

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