Polar Bear
( Ursus maritimus
)
The Polar Bear is a marine mammal found in various regions within the arctic circle. The polar bear is the largest bear species in the world measuring up to 11ft (3m) in length and weighing up to 1700lb (800kg).The bear's outer fur layer reflects light, giving the fur a white color that helps the bear remain camouflaged out on the ice. The skin under the polar bear's fur is black, which is only visible on its nose. Many indingious Arctic tribes and Arctic explorers have told stories of seeing the Polar Bear covering their black noses with its paws when hunting for better camouflage.
Unlike most bears, Polar Bears do not hibernate during the winter months because that’s when sea ice forms. The Polar Bear spends the majority of its life swimming, hunting, and resting on the sea ice. The Polar Bear has evolved massive 1 ft (30 cm) diameter paws for walking on the sea ice without falling through. Its large paws also allow for the Polar Bear to swim up to 426 miles (687 km) without stopping. Polar Bears are also known to dive up to 164 ft (50 m) underwater to hunt seals and other prey.
The warming of the Arctic region due to climate change has had a massive impact on Polar Bears in recent years. As sea ice disappears for longer periods of time during the late summer, Polar Bears are left with not enough time to hunt. Also after each summer, sea ice is located farther from shore, making it necessary for polar bears to use more energy swimming to reach the ice. For these and other reasons polar bears are listed as vulnerable by IUCN.
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