Polar bear
The polar bear (*Ursus maritimus*) is a large bear native to the Arctic and nearby ice-covered waters.
The polar bear (*Ursus maritimus*) is a large bear native to the Arctic and nearby ice-covered waters. It is the largest living bear species and is closely associated with sea ice, which it uses to hunt seals and travel across its range. The species is classified as a marine mammal and is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to declining sea ice from climate change.
Description
Polar bears are large white bears with black skin beneath their fur and thick blubber that provides insulation in Arctic conditions. Males are generally larger than females, and the species has large paws adapted for swimming and walking on ice. Adults can range from about 1.9 to 2.6 m in length, with weights varying from about 300 to 1,300 lb, depending on sex and age. The scientific name *Ursus maritimus* means 'sea bear.'
Distribution and habitat
The polar bear lives across the circumpolar Arctic, especially on sea ice and nearby coastal areas. Its range includes Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia, and the United States (Alaska). In Canada, polar bears are an important species in northern territories and the Canadian Arctic, where they are a major symbol of wildlife and Indigenous subsistence and conservation issues.
Diet and behaviour
Polar bears are mostly carnivorous and rely heavily on seals, especially ringed seals, for food. They use sea ice as a hunting platform and may travel long distances across drifting ice floes. As specialized predators, they are adapted to a marine ecosystem and are often classified as marine mammals.
Conservation status
Polar bears are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Declining sea ice linked to climate change is a major threat because it reduces hunting grounds and affects movement and reproduction. They are the largest extant bear species and among the largest land carnivores, but their dependence on sea ice makes them particularly vulnerable to environmental changes.
Key facts
- Polar bears are found throughout the Arctic and are adapted to life on sea ice.
- They are the largest extant bear species and among the largest land carnivores.
- Their scientific name means 'sea bear'.
- They are specialized predators of seals, especially ringed seals.
- Polar bears are classified as marine mammals and are listed as Vulnerable due to climate change.
Polar bears are an important Arctic species in Canada, especially in northern territories and the Canadian Arctic, where they are a major symbol of wildlife and Indigenous subsistence and conservation issues.
Frequently asked questions
What is the scientific name of the polar bear?
Where do polar bears live?
What do polar bears eat?
How big are polar bears?
Are polar bears marine mammals?
References
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/polar-bearSupports: Scientific name, family, general Arctic distribution, and basic species description
- World Wildlife Fund — https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/polar-bear/Supports: Scientific name, habitat, population estimate, weight, and sea-ice dependence
- The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/polar-bearSupports: Canadian context, Arctic distribution, size, and species overview
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — https://www.fws.gov/species/polar-bear-ursus-maritimusSupports: Common names and species identification
- Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/energy-government-and-defense-magazines/polar-bearsSupports: Arctic range, ecological dependence on sea ice, and conservation threat from sea ice loss
- PBS Nature — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/polar-bear-fact-sheet/Supports: Scientific name meaning, alternate names, and vulnerability status