all about polar bears - frontiers north about polar bears * the polar bear is one of eight bear ......

All About Polar Bears

* The polar bear is one of eight bear species. Its Latin name is Ursus maritimus, which means "seabear."

* The polar bear is the youngest of the eight bear species. Scientists believe that the polar bearevolved about 200,000 years ago from brown bear ancestors.

* Polar bears are the world's largest land predators. They top the food chain in the Arctic, where theydine primarily on seals.

* The polar bear's main prey is the ringed seal. The ringed seal is the most numerous seal in theArctic.

* Adult male polar bears weigh from 775 to more than 1,500 pounds. Females are considerablysmaller, normally weighing 330 to 550 pounds.

* Adult male polar bears measure 6_ feet to 10 feet long, excluding the tail. Females measure 5 to 8feet long, excluding the tail.

* Polar bears range throughout the Arctic in areas where they can hunt seals at open leads. The five"polar bear nations" where the ice bears are found include the U. S. (Alaska), Canada, Russia,Denmark (Greenland), and Norway.

* Polar bears are superbly adapted for survival in the Far North. They are well-insulated against thecold, and they are powerful enough to hunt seals successfully.

* Polar bears have a superb sense of smell. They also have excellent hearing and eyesight. Theseheightened senses are necessary for survival in the changing conditions of the Arctic.

* Scientists estimate that there are roughly 22,000 to 27,000 polar bears throughout the Arctic.

* Polar bears are champion swimmers. They have been known to swim more than 60 miles withoutrest.

* Polar bears’ forepaws are partially webbed to assist in swimming. The massive size of theforepaws measures up to 12” in diameter.

* The polar bear’s fat layer, which is 3 to 4.5 inches thick, not only protects it from the cold but addsto its buoyancy in the water.

* The polar bear’s compact ears and small tail help prevent heat loss. When curled up in a ball, theyoftentimes cover their muzzles to reduce heat loss as well.

For more "Bear Facts," please visit our web site at http://www.polarbearsinternational.org.