Polar Bears
'Ursus maritimus'
Social Interactions
- Polar Bears, by nature, are solitary animals, especially when it comes to hunting or gathering food.
- If two Polar Bears are after the same seal, it turns into a violent competition of who is stronger. Usually, the smaller bear will back down, but not always.
- Polar Bears can run at speeds up to 25MPH and can swim at 6MPH!
- They are also skilled hunters in water or on ice
Reproduction
- When it comes to mating, Polar Bears have multiple mates and females breed yearly from March until June.
- Female Polar Bears usually have twins, who stay with their mother for two years, or until it has acquired the skills necessary for it to live on its own.
Could be extinct in the next 30 years!
Fun Fact #1
Polar bears can range from 6.5ft to 8.3ft long and weigh as little as 330lbs or as much as 1,322lbs.
Fun Fact #2
Polar Bears have black skin which traps more heat from the sun.
Fun Fact #3
Polar Bears' large paws are slightly webbed to aid in swimming.
The Polar Bears' name actually means "Sea Bear"
Classification Order
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: :Carnivora
Family: Ursidae
Genus: Ursus
Scientific Name: Ursus maritimus
Common Name: Polar Bear
Other Name(s): Nanuuq
Environment
Polar bears reside in the coastal ice fields or on floating ice in the Arctic Ocean. This area allows Polar Bears easy access to animals to feed on and hunt, such as seals, walruses, and sea birds. Today, Polar Bears are even thought to be closely related to the Brown Bear.
Status
Polar Bears are considered to be a pretty vulnerable species, considering the fact that they could be extinct in the next 30 years. There is an estimated 20,000-25,000 polar bears left, but the number seems to be dwindling. A key response to this issue is shown through the multiple conservation groups dedicated to raising awareness and funds to aid the polar bears.