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The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a large bear native to the Arctic and nearby areas. It is closely related to the brown bear, and the two species can interbreed. The polar bear is the largest extant species of bear and land carnivore, with adult males weighing 300–800 kg (660–1,760 lb).
Apr 19, 2024 · Polar bear, great white northern bear found throughout the Arctic region. The polar bear is the largest and most powerful carnivore on land, a title it shares with a subspecies of brown bear called the Kodiak bear. It has no natural predators and knows no fear of humans, making it an extremely dangerous animal.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Polar bear. Majestic creature of the far north, the polar bear is the world's largest terrestrial carnivore. Its Latin name, Ursus maritimus, means 'sea bear': an apt name for this amazing species which spends much of its life in, around, or on the water - predominantly on the sea ice.
Facts. Why They Matter. Threats. What WWF is Doing. How You Can Help. Adopt a Polar Bear. Facts. VU Status. Vulnerable. Population. 22,000-31,000. Scientific Name. Ursus maritimus. Weight. 800–1,300 pounds (males), 300-700 (females) Length. 6–9 feet. Habitats. Arctic Ocean, sea ice, and adjacent coastal areas. © WWF-CANADA.
- Arctic Adaptations
- Hunting
- Breeding and Behavior
Polar bears live in one of the planet's coldest environments and depend on a thick coat of insulated fur, which covers a warming layer of fat. Fur even grows on the bottom of their paws, which protects against cold surfaces and provides a good grip on ice. The bear's stark white coat provides camouflage in surrounding snow and ice. But under their ...
These powerful predators typically prey on seals. In search of this quarry they frequent areas of shifting, cracking ice where seals may surface to breathe air. They also stalk ice edges and breathing holes. If the opportunity presents itself, polar bears will also consume carcasses, such as those of dead whales. These Arctic giants are the masters...
Females den by digging into deep snow drifts, which provide protection and insulation from the Arctic elements. They give birth in winter, usually to twins. Young cubs live with their mothers for some 28 months to learn the survival skills of the far north. Females aggressively protect their young, but receive no help from their solitary male mates...
Polar bears are marine mammals because they spend many months of the year at sea. However, they are the only living marine mammals with powerful, large limbs and feet that allow them to cover kilometers on foot and run on land. A Polar bear's fur is hollow and reflects light, so it is not actually white.
Dec 9, 2020 · December 9, 2020. Class: Mammalia. Order: Carnivora. Family: Ursidae. Genus: Ursus. Species: maritimus. Polar bear’s scientific name, Ursus maritimus, means “sea bear” in Latin. Polar...
