Where do polar bears live?

Polar bears range throughout the circumpolar north in areas where they can hunt seals at open leads. The five "polar bear nations" in which the bears are found include the U.S. (Alaska), Canada, Russia, Denmark (Greenland), and Norway. Polar bears do not live in the southern hemisphere.

Are polar bears endangered?

Polar bears are a potentially threatened species rather than an endangered one. A threatened species is one that could easily become endangered. Threats to the bears include pollution, poaching, and industrial disturbances. Hunting could become a threat if populations are not well managed.

What is the polar bear's scientific name?

Ursus maritimus or the "sea bear." Its closest relative is the brown bear.

How big are polar bears?

Adult male polar bears measure 2.5 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) tall. They weigh 250 to 770 kilograms (550 to 1,700 pounds). Adult
female bears are smaller. They measure 1.8 to 2.5 meters (6 to 8 feet) tall and weigh 90 to 320 kilograms (200 to 700 pounds).
In addition, they are protected with a layer of blubber that can measure 11.5 cm (4.5 inches) thick.

What are some distinguishing characteristics?

Compact ears and a small tail also to prevent heat loss. Polar bears are so well protected from the cold that they have more problems with overheating than they do from the cold. Even in very cold weather, they quickly overheat when they try to run.

Other adaptations include small bumps on their paws called papillae that keep their feet from slipping on ice; strong, powerful claws that enable them to catch seals; and a nose powerful enough to detect prey that is miles away.

What do polar bears eat?

Seals are the polar bear's primary prey, particularly the ringed seal and, sometimes, the bearded seal. When hunting is good, polar bears will typically eat only the fat and leave the rest of the carcass for scavengers including arctic foxes, ravens, and younger bears.

What is a polar bear's life span?

In the wild, polar bears live an average of 15 to 18 years, although biologists have tagged a few bears in their early 30s. In captivity, they may live until their mid- to late 30s. One zoo bear in London lived to be 41 years old.

Please visit:

http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/mcgregor/resources.html