1. Polar Bears Emily Nowak 1x

2. Classification Mammal Class: Mammalia Order: Carnivora Family: Ursidae Genus : Ursus Species: U. maritimus

3. Feeding Habits Polar bears are the largest land carnivores in the world. Polar bears feed primarily on the fat of ice dependent seals. The remains of these seals provide food for many other Arctic wildlife species, giving polar bears a vital role in their ecosystem Polar bears feed mostly on ringed seals and bearded seals. They are also known to eat walrus, beluga whale and bowhead whale carcasses, and bird eggs. Polar bears travel great distances to find food

4. Habitat & Reproduction Mostly found in the Arctic Live on patches of ice in the ocean Reproduce sexually during a breading season

5. Endangered There is estimated to be 20,000-25,000 polar bears on earth The polar bear was listed as threatened under the federal endangered species act on May 14, 2008. This move officially recognizes that polar bears are threatened with extinction from global warming, which is melting the Arctic sea ice where polar bears hunt for ringed and bearded seals

6. Fun Facts Female polar bears would rather build their dens out of old snow from previous years than out of fresh new snow Paw pads with rough surfaces help prevent polar bears from slipping on the ice When curled up, polar bears may cover their muzzle (nose) with a paw to help conserve heat