POLAR BEAR

Ursus maritimus

The Polar Bear (historically known as the White Bear) is the largest species of bear in the world and the only species found in the Arctic Circle. They are known for having white fur, although this fur is actually translucent and hollow. As the bear ages the fur becomes tinted yellow or green from algae. The bear is built for survival in the freezing temperatures. The bear’s front feet are partially webbed to help it swim quickly through the water. Its fur is matte and shaggy to help the bear shake the cold water off. Beneath the fur and skin there is a thick layer of fat to keep the bear’s body temperature stable. Unlike other bears the muzzle is much longer, allowing it to push its jaw into burrows and crevices. When fully grown, the bear measures 8-10 Ft (2-3 M) long, making them the largest land predators.

The bear has a few hunting strategies. The most common one, called “Still-hunting,” is to try and smell a nearby breathing hole, dug by a seal. It crouches by the hole and waits. When the seal returns to breathe, the bear catches its meal. Polar Bear cubs are born in November-January inside of a den built by their mother. In February they are able to leave the den. The cubs spend the next two to three years with their mother, learning how to survive the harsh environment. The male cubs usually play-fight. During mating season males can start violent or even fatal matches. Hiking across ice can be dangerous due to thin ice, avalanches or chasms. The bear’s paws are covered in Papillae to help it keep traction on the ice.