Q: Do Werewolves and Werebears have the same ranking system? Do they live in packs? Do they socialize with humans as much as werewolves and try to fit in?
A: No, Niet, and Nie
Ranking-
Werebears don't really have a ranking system. For one, they don't really do "packs". They do however have a "Elders". Elders are kinda like Advisers. In a "community" of Werebears there's usually 3. They are usually the ones to pass judgment of those who have done wrong, make plans during emergencies, and give the other Werebears advice. They don't make these decisions alone however. They talk to each other before going to their community for a vote. They do have the power to Veto a vote and pardon a person. When they do this the person is protected my this elder and they are responsible for the pardon persons behavior.
Community-
A "community" of Werebears is usually just a camp sight that a group thought made a good camp and settled there. It not really anything special. Its like a normal small village or town. Only Werebears are permitted to enter the Community however unless under special or unique occasions. Like if a werebear mates with someone who isn't one or if an ally comes to visit. Also werebears are considered Adults at the age of 15 so the community grows quite fast as new houses or residences are needed.
War and Fighting-
Back in the day, Werebears were great warriors. They were the best. Formidable even to species like vampires. Actually, Vampires that are old enough to remember the old days probably avoid werebear camps on purpose. Werebears didn't use to stay in communities. They were "lone wolves" (HaHa). They fought in wars, great battles, became kings, and tyrants. However humans soon became scared of their kind. They started hunting them and fighting against them. Even the ones that use to be their friends. After so much some threw themselves into exile while others became the monsters that humans thought they were. Really in nature they are peaceful and kind. Just misunderstood. Later on they started to make their own communities without a "ruler". Their famous saying is "people with too much power loose themselves". So to stop anyone from getting a big head they appointed Elders instead who had no real power over others decisions.
Human Relations-
Having a relationship isn't really prohibited like the werewolf packs. Its not looked down upon or hated by most. The only problem is fear. They used to be hunted and killed by humans for just being different but most don't blame all humans. As I said, most werebears are kind, gentle, and caring by nature. They do stay away from human societies tho. Mainly to be able to shift and be free to do as they please. If a werebear does find that their mate is human he/she won't hide this fact from the human like most wolves. They'll approach the situation bluntly and confidently. Lying is against a werebears nature.
Relation and differences to Werewolves-
Like werewolves they are ancient shifters. However, there are differences obviously. For one, No packs. Two, no ranks. Three, they stay more towards the mountainy forests then in regular forests. Four, they mate differently. Five, they aren't as possessive and aggressive. They do however worship a goddess but not the moon goddess. Theirs is the Goddess of the forest, Goddess of mercy, Goddess of compassion. Those are her many names. Werewolves mainly started as indians but werebears started as great Knights and fighters. Their Origins are unknown but most people with the wear bear trait share another trait, that all have connections to a German bloodline. Werewolves and Werebears are mainly allies. Sometimes there's arguments and rarely war but most the time werebears like keeping the peace.
Forest Goddess Legend-
The Legend goes that a man was hunting one day for his family a long time ago. He always hunted and then prayed to the Goddess of Compassion to let this kill not be wasted. He never killed more then he had to. The Goddess was pleased with this so she gave him guidance. While the man was hunting he came across an injured bear. It was hurt from a spear wound. He was disgraced that someone would do such a thing and leave it to die. He cried for the bear and begged the Goddess of Compassion to spare the creature. She talked to him for the first time and gave him a deal. If he would share a body with this creature then she would allow it to live. He'd be a bear and a man. The hunter agreed without hesitation and made it so the bear would be a part of him. That whole night he spent as one with the bear. The next morning he went home and told his wife all that had happened. He showed her his transformation. At first she was scared. He was so much stronger now. What if he accidentally hurt her one day? So they prayed again to the Goddess. Let my wife share this gift. The Goddess saw the love between them and granted this wish. They became Mates. The Goddess liked her new creation so much that she made more, creating a whole new species. She told them that they are always to be kind and Compassionate. Never to let darkness cloud their hearts. Those who do will loose their humanity and be bears until they die. (And that's how werebears started.... So the Legend says)