The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a carnivorous bear whose native range lies largely within the Arctic Circle. source
The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a carnivorous bear whose native range lies largely within the Arctic Circle.
The polar bear is a large bear, approximately the same size as the omnivorous Kodiak bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi). source
The polar bear is a large bear, approximately the same size as the omnivorous Kodiak bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi).
The polar bear (adult male) weighs around 350–700 kg (772–1,543 lb). source
The polar bear (adult male) weighs around 350–700 kg (772–1,543 lb).
Adult female polar bear weighs is about half that size. source
Adult female polar bear weighs is about half that size.
The polar bear spend most of their time on the sea ice. source
The polar bear spend most of their time on the sea ice.
The polar bear, scientific name means "maritime bear" and derives from this fact. source
The polar bear, scientific name means "maritime bear" and derives from this fact.
Polar bears hunt their preferred food of seals from the edge of sea ice, often living off fat reserves when no sea ice is present. source
Polar bears hunt their preferred food of seals from the edge of sea ice, often living off fat reserves when no sea ice is present.
The polar bears are classified as marine mammals. source
The polar bears are classified as marine mammals.
The polar bear is classified as a vulnerable species, and at least three of the nineteen polar bear subpopulations are currently in decline. source
The polar bear is classified as a vulnerable species, and at least three of the nineteen polar bear subpopulations are currently in decline.
For thousands of years, the polar bear has been a key figure in the material, spiritual, and cultural life of circumpolar peoples. source
For thousands of years, the polar bear has been a key figure in the material, spiritual, and cultural life of circumpolar peoples.
Constantine John Phipps was the first to describe the polar bear as a distinct species in 1774. source
Constantine John Phipps was the first to describe the polar bear as a distinct species in 1774.
Constantine John Phipps chose the scientific name Ursus maritimus, the Latin for 'maritime bear', due to the animal's native habitat. source
Constantine John Phipps chose the scientific name Ursus maritimus, the Latin for 'maritime bear', due to the animal's native habitat.
The polar bear is found in the Arctic Circle and adjacent land masses as far south as Newfoundland. source
The polar bear is found in the Arctic Circle and adjacent land masses as far south as Newfoundland.
Polar bear fur consists of a layer of dense underfur and an outer layer of guard hairs, which appear white to tan but are actually transparent. source
Polar bear fur consists of a layer of dense underfur and an outer layer of guard hairs, which appear white to tan but are actually transparent.
The polar bear is an excellent swimmer and often will swim for days. source
The polar bear is an excellent swimmer and often will swim for days.
One bear swam continuously for 9 days in the frigid Bering Sea for 400 mi (687 km) to reach ice far from land. source
One bear swam continuously for 9 days in the frigid Bering Sea for 400 mi (687 km) to reach ice far from land.
The bear uses its excellent sense of smell to locate a seal breathing hole, and crouches nearby in silence for a seal to appear. source
The bear uses its excellent sense of smell to locate a seal breathing hole, and crouches nearby in silence for a seal to appear.
The polar bea lost 22% of her body mass and her yearling cub died, source
The polar bea lost 22% of her body mass and her yearling cub died,
The bear swims in a dog paddle fashion using its large forepaws for propulsion. source
The bear swims in a dog paddle fashion using its large forepaws for propulsion.
Polar bears can swim 10 km/h (6 mph). source
Polar bears can swim 10 km/h (6 mph).
The polar bear tends to have a lumbering gait and maintains an average speed of around 5.6 km/h (3.5 mph). source
The polar bear tends to have a lumbering gait and maintains an average speed of around 5.6 km/h (3.5 mph).
The average polar bear life span is 20 to 30 years. However as their habitat is altered, life expectancies shorten as extinction closes in. source
The average polar bear life span is 20 to 30 years. However as their habitat is altered, life expectancies shorten as extinction closes in.
