Bear (Polar)
Polar bears are very strong swimmers. Their large front paws, which they use to paddle, are slightly webbed.
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Bear (Polar)'s
Facts about polar bears
Polar bears are the world's largest land carnivore and also the largest bear, together with the omnivorous Kodiak bear, which are approximately the same size.
Although most polar bears are born on land, they spend most of their time at sea (hence their scientific name meaning "maritime bear") and can hunt consistently only from sea ice, so spend much of the year on the frozen sea.
Some polar bears have been seen swimming hundreds of miles from land, though they probably cover most of that distance by floating on sheets of ice.
Polar bears live in one of the planet's coldest environments and depend on a thick coat of insulated fur, which covers a layer of insulating fat. Fur even grows on the bottom of their paws, which protects against cold surfaces and provides a good grip on ice.
The bear's stark white coat provides camouflage in snow and ice. However under this fur, polar bears have black skin—to efficiently absorb the sun's warming rays.
These powerful predators typically prey on seals. They frequent areas of shifting, cracking ice where seals may surface to breath air. They also stalk ice edges and breathing holes. If the opportunity presents itself, polar bears will also consume carcasses, such as those of dead whales.
Females den by digging into deep snow drifts, which provide protection and insulation from the elements. They give birth in winter, usually to twins. Young cubs live with their mothers for some 28 months to learn survival skills. Females aggressively protect their young, but receive no help from their solitary male mates. In fact, male polar bears may even kill young of their species.
Photo: www.animalphotos.info
Polar bears are powerful predators that often do not fear humans, which can make them dangerous. Near human settlements, they often acquire a taste for garbage, bringing bears and humans into dangerous proximity.
Polar bears love to play. They have even been known to play with other species such as dogs.
The polar bear is classified as a vulnerable species, with 8 of the 19 polar bear subpopulations in decline.
Polar bears have no natural enemies. However for decades, hunting by humans raised international concern for the future of the species. Following the introductions of controls and quotas some populations have now rebounded.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) now lists global warming as the most significant threat to the polar bear, primarily because the melting of its sea ice habitat reduces its ability to find sufficient food.
For thousands of years, the polar bear has been a key figure in the material, spiritual, and cultural life of Arctic indigenous peoples, and the hunting of polar bears remains important in their cultures.