At this level, a Dire Bear goes from 12 HD to 14 HD, which is not enough of a HD change to gain an ability increase, nor a feat increase. So specialization to various roles is only available by modifying the 2 skill points earned, and the two bonus tricks granted.
"Combat"- or "Mount"-oriented[]
Dire Bear
NN L Animal ; Init +2; Senses Listen +11, Spot +11; low-light vision, scent; AC 20 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +9 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 18; hp 121 (14d8+59); Saves Fort +13, Ref +11, Will +10;
Speed 40 ft.; Melee claws +21/+21 (2d4+11) and bite +15 (2d8+5); Base Atk +10; Grapple +25; Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.; Special Actions improved grab; Abilities Str 32 (+11), Dex 14 (+2), Con 19 (+4), Int 2 (-4), Wis 12 (+1), Cha 10 (+0); SQ link, share spells, evasion; Feats Alertness, Endurance, Run, Toughness, Weapon Focus (claw); Skills Swim +13;
Improved Grab (Ex):To use this ability, a dire bear must hit with a claw attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity.
Bonus Tricks: Attack, Down
"Tracker"-oriented[]
Dire Bear
NN L Animal ; Init +2; Senses Listen +10, Spot +10; low-light vision, scent; AC 20 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +9 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 18; hp 121 (14d8+59); Saves Fort +13, Ref +11, Will +10;
Speed 40 ft.; Melee claws +21/+21 (2d4+11) and bite +15 (2d8+5); Base Atk +10; Grapple +25; Space 10 ft.; Reach 5 ft.; Special Actions improved grab; Abilities Str 32 (+11), Dex 14 (+2), Con 19 (+4), Int 2 (-4), Wis 12 (+1), Cha 10 (+0); SQ link, share spells, evasion; Feats Alertness, Endurance, Run, Toughness, Weapon Focus (claw); Skills Survival +2, Swim +13;
Improved Grab (Ex):To use this ability, a dire bear must hit with a claw attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity.
Bonus Tricks: Heel, Track