Polar Bears By Maribel Ramirez

The polar bear is one of eight bear species The polar bear is one of eight bear species. Its Latin name is Ursus maritimu, means “sea bear.”

Scientists believe that the polar bear evolved about 200,000 years ago from brown bear ancestors.

They top the food chain in the Arctic,where they dine primarily on seals.

The ringed seal is the most numerous seal in the Arctic.

Females are considerably smaller,normally weighing 330 to 550 pounds.

Females measure 5 to 8 feet long,excluding the tail.

The 5 “polar bear nations”where the ice bears are found include the U The 5 “polar bear nations”where the ice bears are found include the U.S (Alaska), Canada,Russia, Denmark (Greenland) and Norway.

They are well-insulated against the cold, and they are powerful enough to hunt seals successfully.

They also have excellent hearing and eyesight They also have excellent hearing and eyesight. These heightened senses are necessary for survival in the changing conditions of the Arctic.

They have been known to swim more than 60 miles without rest.

The massive size of the forepaws measures up to 12” in diameter.

The polar bear’s fat layer, which is 3 to 4 The polar bear’s fat layer, which is 3 to 4.5 inches thick, not only protects it from the cold but adds to its buoyancy in the water.

The polar bear’s compact ears and small tail help prevent heat loss The polar bear’s compact ears and small tail help prevent heat loss. When curled up in a ball, they often cover their muzzles to reduce heat loss as well.