The polar bear (Ursus Maritimus), also known as white bear, is the biggest land carnivore of our times. It's a mammalian carnivore (order of the land carnivorous mammals) and a member of the Ursidae family (the bear family; where it's the largest member).
Main picture link: https://it.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Polar_Bear_AdF.jpg
Where does the polar bear live?
The polar bear lives mainly in Greenland. However, it is also possible to find it in North America: more precisely in northern Canada and Alaska.
The polar bear also lives in northern Europe and Asia. More precisely in the Svalbard Islands, Switzerland and Russia.
The environment that the polar bear prefers is the pack ice. Often it also moves to less frozen habitats but still at sub-zero temperatures.
Map link: https://www.grida.no/resources/7769
How big is the polar bear?
As we mentioned above, the polar bear is the largest of the land carnivores:
- Height: 1.5 meters at the withers and 3 meters when standing on the hind legs.
- Length: 2-2.5 meters. The tail is about 12 cm long.
- Weight: 1 ton.
Picture link: https://www.dimensions.com/element/polar-bears
What makes the polar bear unique?
What makes the polar bear recognizable is its white fur. Actually, the color is not white; the fur of polar bears is devoid of pigment, transparent, colorless. The White color is given by the effect of light refracted through the fur.
Polar bears can also have yellowish undertones and can often appear darker based on the seasons and light conditions. As strange as it may seem, the polar bear's skin is black, which allows it to absorb the heat of the sun's rays and thus keep the animal warm.
Another feature that made the polar bear unique among bears is its adaptability to aquatic life: polar bears can swim in the sea for more than 100 kilometers and are also champions in diving. Not surprisingly, its scientific name Ursus Maritimus literally means "sea bear".
Another difference compared to other bears consists in the hibernation phase, a phase that affects only the female specimens of the species.
Is the polar bear a social or a solitary animal?
Like all other bears, this species is also exclusively solitary. Males and females meet only during the mating season which takes place in spring and the female gives birth to 1-3 cubs.
What does the polar bear eat?
The polar bear is also famous for being the most carnivorous of bears. Its favorite preys are seals:
- The harp seal.
- The ringed seal.
- The bearded seal.
The polar bear is also a very strong animal, strong enough to be able to kill a beluga alone and in water.
Another polar bear prey is the baby walrus. These are hunted less frequently, since their mothers fiercely protect them and are armed with sharp fangs with which they can injure and sometimes even kill an adult bear.
Who are the polar bear's natural enemies?
Except for other members of its own species, a polar bear has no natural enemies. Only rarely are they attacked by orcas.
What relationship has the polar bear with humans?
Sadly, the polar bear is currently an endangered species. This is due to habitat destruction, melting ice and it is estimated that just under 25,000 polar bears remain in the wild.
Polar bears, always looking for food, often venture into inhabited areas. In Canada, in the city of Churchill, people fear polar bears rummaging in the garbage and who can (albeit rarely) attack humans and sled dogs.
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