Polar Bear
Ursus maritimus
Conservation Concern 3
Recent scientific research suggests the Southern Beaufort Sea population of Polar Bears is likely declining. Reproductive rates vary among sub-populations of Polar Bears but all are relatively low. Females reach maturity at 4-6 years and have litters of no more than 1-2 cubs every 3 or so years. There is increasing concern over the effect of climate change on the availability of sea ice and the seals that Polar Bears prey upon.
Description 3
Translucent hairs make polar bear fur appear white or off-white to yellow. Compared to Grizzly Bears, Polar Bears have shorter claws, a much longer neck, and no shoulder hump.
Typical Habitat 3
From early winter until sea ice break-up, Polar Bears prefer to hunt seals on the annual sea ice along coastlines, but they may range more than 200 km offshore. Maternal denning sites are usually located in snowdrifts on land near the coast, but they can also be in snow on sea ice.
Potential Threats 3
Climate warming is causing a reduction in the total amount of sea ice, and affect the timing of break- up and freeze-up—thus reducing the abundance of ice-dependent seals and the bears’ ability to find them. Environmental contaminants (mainly organochlorines) and marine oil spills. Harvest of this population will require ongoing monitoring to ensure that it is sustainable.
Did You Know? 3
Polar Bears evolved within the last 400,000 years to occupy the niche of hunting seals from a sea-ice platform. 60% of the world’s Polar Bears live in Canada. Polar Bears can swim 100 kilometers. Polar Bear males can be 2 to 3 times as large as females - one of the greatest differences between sexes in mammals. Watson Polar Bears can live 25-30 years. Polar Bear skin is black, which helps them retain heat from the sun. Polar Bear paws have thick fur between the toes to help insulate their feet.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Martha de Jong-Lantink, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), http://www.flickr.com/photos/77762547@N00/2890311916
- (c) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters, some rights reserved (CC BY), https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cd/Polar_bear_with_young_-_ANWR.jpg
- (c) L.G. Johanson, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
More Info
iNat Map
| Animal | Mammal |
|---|---|
| Mammal | Bears (Ursidae) |
| Color | white |
