Polar Bear

By Agustin

• The polar bear is one of eight bear species.

• Its Latin name is Ursus maritimus, which means “sea bear”.

• The polar bear is the youngest of the eight bear species.

• Scientists believe that the polar bear evolved about 200,000 years ago from brown bear ancestors.

• Polar bears are the world’s largest land predators. They top the food chain in Arctic, where they dine primarily on seals.

• The polar bear’s main prey is the ringed seal. The ringed seal is the most numerous seal in the Arctic.

• Adult male polar bears weigh from 775 to more than 1,500 pounds.

• Adult male polar bears measure 6.5 feet to 10 feet long, excluding the tail.

Polar bear range throughout the Arctic in areas where they can hunt seals at open leads.

• Polar bears are superbly adapted for survival in the Far North.

• Polar bear have a superb sense of smell.

Scientists estimate that there are roughly 20,000 to 25,000 polar bears throughout the Arctic.

• Polar bears are champion swimmers.

• They have been known to swimmers.

• Polar bears’ forepaws are partially webbed to assist in swimming.

• The massive size of the forepaws measures up to 12” in diameter.

• The polar bear’s fat layer, which is 3 to 4.5 inches thick, not only protects it from the cold but adds to its buoyancy in the water.

• The polar bear’s compact ears and small tail help prevent heat loss.

• When curled up in a ball, they often cover their muzzles to reduces heat loss as well.