Polar bear
The polar bear (*Ursus maritimus*) is a large bear native to the Arctic and nearby ice-covered waters.
The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is the largest living bear species, native to the Arctic. It depends on sea ice for hunting seals and moving across its range.
What it is
Polar bears are large white bears with black skin beneath their fur and thick blubber for insulation. Males are larger than females, and the species has large paws adapted for swimming and walking on ice. Their scientific name, Ursus maritimus, means 'sea bear'.
Where it lives and what it eats
Polar bears live across the circumpolar Arctic, including Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia, and Alaska. They are carnivores that mainly eat seals, especially ringed seals, using sea ice as a hunting platform. They may travel long distances across drifting ice.
Why it matters
Polar bears are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to declining sea ice from climate change. In Canada, they are a major symbol of Arctic wildlife and important for Indigenous subsistence and conservation.
In short
- Largest extant bear species and a marine mammal.
- Specialized predator of seals, especially ringed seals.
- Scientific name Ursus maritimus means 'sea bear'.
- Vulnerable to sea ice loss from climate change.
Polar bears are an important Arctic species in Canada, especially in northern territories and the Canadian Arctic, where they are a major symbol of wildlife and Indigenous subsistence and conservation issues.
Quick questions
What is the scientific name of the polar bear?
Where do polar bears live?
What do polar bears eat?
Sources
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/polar-bearSupports: Scientific name, family, general Arctic distribution, and basic species description
- World Wildlife Fund — https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/polar-bear/Supports: Scientific name, habitat, population estimate, weight, and sea-ice dependence
- The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/polar-bearSupports: Canadian context, Arctic distribution, size, and species overview
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — https://www.fws.gov/species/polar-bear-ursus-maritimusSupports: Common names and species identification
- Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/environment/energy-government-and-defense-magazines/polar-bearsSupports: Arctic range, ecological dependence on sea ice, and conservation threat from sea ice loss
- PBS Nature — https://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/blog/polar-bear-fact-sheet/Supports: Scientific name meaning, alternate names, and vulnerability status