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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).
Jun 29, 2024 · Learn about the polar bear, the largest and most powerful carnivore on land, that lives in the Arctic region and feeds on seals and other prey. Find out how climate change, hunting, and human activities affect its survival and population.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- A polar bear is a great white northern bear (family Ursidae) found throughout the Arctic region. Except for one subspecies of grizzly bear, the pol...
- Polar bears are mostly carnivorous. They eat the ringed seal as well as the bearded seal and other pinnipeds. Additionally, polar bears are opportu...
- One important adaptation of polar bears to their unique climate is the transparency of their thick fur, which allows sunlight to pass through and r...
- No, polar bears are not an endangered species, but they are threatened. In 2015 the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Polar Bea...
The largest bear in the world and the Arctic's top predator, polar bears are a powerful symbol of the strength and endurance of the Arctic. The polar bear's Latin name, Ursus maritimus, means "sea bear." It's an apt name for this majestic species, which spends much of its life in, around, or on the ocean–predominantly on the sea ice.
Sep 8, 2017 · How do polar bears survive their Arctic habitat? Is climate change affecting their population? Learn how polar bears have adapted to life on top of the world...
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- Polar bears are classified as marine mammals. Because they spend most of their lives on the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean depending on the ocean for their food and habitat, polar bears are the only bear species to be considered marine mammals.
- A polar bear skin is actually black. Beneath all that thick fur, polar bears have jet black skin. The polar bear’s fur is also translucent, and only appears white because it reflects visible light.
- They can swim constantly for days at a time. As well as reaching speeds of up to 6mph in the water, polar bears can swim for long distances and steadily for many hours to get from one piece of ice to another.
- Less than 2% of polar bear hunts are successful. Although about half of a polar bear’s life is spent hunting for food, their hunts are rarely successful.
Learn about the polar bear, a powerful predator that lives in the Arctic ice and depends on seals for food. Find out how climate change, human activities, and natural enemies affect their survival and population.
Feb 1, 2018 · A new study reveals that polar bears need to eat 60 percent more than previously thought to survive the melting sea ice. The research also reveals the bears' high-energy metabolism, hunting strategies, and declining population.