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The semi-aquatic polar bear was once considered to be nomadic, but has since been shown to have a very large home range — up to about 115 square miles (300 sq km).
Pregnant bears den in the winter, the others hunt.
Ringed seals are their preferred prey, but in winter, they will eat anything they can catch; in summer, they will eat leaves, berries, and seaweed.
They are able to fast for months, drawing on stored fat at any time of the year.
Their hairs are hollow, making for excellent insulators that are capable of trapping much of their radiating body heat.
Only the nose and eyes radiate heat, so they cover them with their paws when they sleep.
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Name: Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)
Family: Ursidae (Bears) Range: Above Arctic Circle, occasionally farther south Habitat: Coastal regions and ice floes Diet: Seals, walrus, sea birds, lemmings, birds' eggs, some vegetation, and carrion Head and Body Length: 7 to 9 feet (2.2 to 2.8 m) Tail Length: 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 cm) Shoulder Height: about 5 feet (1.5 m) Weight: 660 to 1,540 pounds (300 to 700 kg) Life Cycle: Mating April to May, implantation delayed until September to October; one to three cubs born in December Description: Dense, creamy white coat; relatively small head; elongated neck; stocky, powerful build; black skin; broad forepaws Conservation Status: Lower Risk (Conservation Dependent) Major Threat: Habitat loss; poaching; pollution What Can I Do?: Visit Polar Bears Alive and WWF for information on how you can help. |
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