Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are the largest land carnivores alive today, comparable in size only to brown bears (Ursus arctos). Their size helps them conserve heat; the larger the bear, the more slowly they loose heat. Their fur is a creamy color, not pure white, and they have black skin. Polar bears have a dense underfur and thick layer of fatty blubber to aid in insulation.
Polar bears feed primarily on seals. They have two basic hunting tactics, stalking (which involves slowly moving towards their prey and when close enough, charging in for the attack) and still hunting (which involves sitting beside a hole in the ice that a seal uses as a breathing hole; when the seal emerges to breath, the polar bear attacks).
- Mass: 300-800 kg (males) 150-800 kg (females)
- Body Length: 180 to 250 cm
- Shoulder Height: 160 cm
- Diet: carnivorous (seals and walrus)
- Breeding Season: March to June
- Sexual Maturity: 3.5-5.5 years
- Gestation: 195-265 days
- Number of Offspring: 1-4 (2 average)
- Time to Weaning: 24-36 months
- Predators: Other polar bears, humans
- Average Lifespan: 25 years
Classification:
Where to See:
Polar bears are found in Russia, Alaska, Canada, Greenland and in Norway's Svalbard archipelago). Tundra, icecap.
References:
- Burnie D, Wilson DE. 2001. Animal. London: Dorling Kindersley. 624 p.
- Gunderson A. 2002. Ursus maritimus, Animal Diversity Web. June 07, 2005.
