Polar
Bear
(Ursus
maritimus)
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Life span
- 15-20 years
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- Size
- The body length of the polar bear is 2-2.5m and weigh 272-499kg.
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- Physical Appearance
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Polar bears are large and stocky with hind limbs that are longer than the
forelimbs. They have large feet that act as snowshoes, and they are covered with
dense fur, which is water-repellent, enabling them to shake dry after swimming.
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Distribution
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Polar bears inhabit the north coast of Alaska and Canada.
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- Habitat
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Polar bears spend most of their time on Arctic ice floes, and when they are on
the shore they remain near the water.
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- Diet
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Polar bears are predominantly carnivorous, and feed on seals, fish, seabirds,
and reindeer. They will eat berries and various other vegetation in the summer
months.
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- Social organization and behavior
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Polar bears are usually solitary, except during the breeding season (midsummer),
although they will sometimes aggregate to feed on large whale carcasses.
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- Reproduction
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Polar bears have a gestation period of 9 months and a litter size of 1-4 cubs.
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- Conservation/status
- Polar bears are not endangered, although they are hunted for meat and fur. Oil
spills from drilling platforms or tankers are a potential threat.
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- Notes
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Polar bears are strong swimmers and have many adaptations for an aquatic
environment - they are well insulated with fat, their nostrils close and their
ears are held close to their head when underwater. They will also roam large
distances.