Polar BearsChalisse Skeens

Ursus MartimusUrsus MartimusConstantine John Phipps-- Constantine John Phipps-- 

was the first to describe the polar bear as a distinct was the first to describe the polar bear as a distinct species in 1774. He chose the scientific species in 1774. He chose the scientific

name name Ursus maritimusUrsus maritimus, Latin for ‘maritime , Latin for ‘maritime bear,’ because they are born on land but spend bear,’ because they are born on land but spend

most of their time at sea. most of their time at sea.

Biologists assume the polar bear population consists of 19

subpopulations and approximately 20,000–25,000

polar bears worldwide.

Polar bears are native largely within the Arctic Circle encompassing the

Arctic Ocean, its surrounding seas and

surrounding land masses.

They are the world's largest land carnivore and also the largest

bear with adult males weighing around 350–680 kg (770–1,500 lb),

and females one-half that size.

Polar bears are able to detect seals nearly

1 mi away and buried under 3 ft of snow.

Polar bears are insulated by up to 10 cm of blubber. Therefore,

they still overheat in rather cold temperatures (10°C).

Therefore they are almost invisible to infrared technology.

• the legs are stocky

• the ears and tail are small

• their paws are very large (an adult’s can measure

30 cm across.)  

• claws are short and stocky: deeply scooped

on the underside

• have 42 teeth.

The polar bear is an excellent swimmer.

They have been spotted 200 mi out in open Arctic waters.

Polar bears maintain a speed that ranges from walking at 3.5 mph to sprinting at 25 mph. 

The polar bear is the most carnivorous member of the bear family.

Most of their diet consists

of ringed and bearded seals.

Unlike grizzly bears, polar bears are not territorial; they are rather cautious

and choose to escape rather than fight.

Mating

Courtship and mating, which is generally polygamous, take

place on the sea ice in April and May.

Polar bear cubs are born blind, covered with a light down fur, and weighing less than 2.0 lbs.

When the ice breaks up in the fall, each pregnant female digs a maternity den for her cubs. This is where they will remain until

mid-February to mid-April.…

In this time, the mother will be fasting while nursing

her cubs on fat-rich milk.

By the time the mother breaks open the entrance to the den, her cubs can weigh around 22

to 33 lb.

Polar bears rarely live beyond 25 years.

The oldest polar bear on record died at

the age of 42.

The polar bear is classified as a The polar bear is classified as a 

vulnerable speciesvulnerable species, with eight of the , with eight of the

nineteen polar bear subpopulations nineteen polar bear subpopulations

in decline.in decline.

Some scientists believe the population decline of polar bears is caused by rising temperature climates, the

consumption of garbage, hunting, and land sales for gas and oil development.

THE END