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

2. The polar bear is the youngest of the eight bear species
The polar bear is the youngest of the eight bear species. Scientists believe that the polar bear avolved about 200,000 years ago from brown bear ancestors.

3. Polar bears are the world’s largest land predators
Polar bears are the world’s largest land predators. They top the food chain in the Arctic, where they dine primarily on seals.

4. The polar bear’s main prey is the ringed seal
The polar bear’s main prey is the ringed seal. The ringed seal is the most numerous seal in the Arctic.

5. Adult male polar bears weigh from 775 to more than 1,500 pounds
Adult male polar bears weigh from 775 to more than 1,500 pounds. Females are considerably smaller, normally weighing 330 to 550 pounds.

6. Adults male polar bears measure 6 ½ feet to 10 feet long, excluding the tail. Females measure 5 to 8 feet long, excluding the tail.

7. Polar bears range throughout the Arctic in areas where they can hunt seals at open leads.

8. Polar bears are superbly adapted for survival in the Far North.

9. Polar bears have a superb sense of smell.

10. Scientists estimate that there are roughty 20,000 to 25,000 polar bears throughout the Arctic.

11. Polar bears are champion swimmers.

12. Polar bears’ forepaws are partially webbed to assist in swimming.

13. 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.

14. The polar bear’s compact ears and small tail help prevent heat loss.