Here are some basic facts on Polar Bears. At the bottom, I included links to pages where there is more information on Polar Bears.
Polar Bear FactsClass:
Mammalia (mammals)
Order:
Carnivora (carnivores)
Family:
Ursidae (bear family)
Genus:
Ursus
Species:
Ursus Maritumus
Status:
Population healthy
World Distribution:
Arctic and Subartic
Size:
Height: Average adult male 8.5 ft (2.6 m) -- Weight: 900 lbs.
Physical Characteristics:
One of the largest bears -- white fur that helps camouflage -- large paws which makes them expert swimmers -- prominent snout and short, round, furred ears -- strong muscular legs and well-developed neck muscles -- very short tail --very large stomachs with a capacity of more than 70 kilograms (150 pounds) of food.
Habitat:
Ice and snow
Habits:
Less active in summer -- only pregnant females den up for extended periods in winter -- one of the lowest birth rates -- swim with head above water, dog-paddling with front legs -- strong navigational sense -- extremely good sense of smell -- unusually clever at solving problems in order to obtain food.
Diet:
Almost anything, ringed seals, walrus, beluga, birds, rodents, vegetation, and garbage
