POLAR BEAR
The polar bears, which are usually called white bears, are found on the sea ice of the Arctic Circle throughout the North Polar basin. They are classified as Ursus maritimus. They live for about 25 to 30 years. They are now endangered because of habitat destruction.
Polar bears have white fur which may yellow in the summer. Their bodies are longer then other bears and streamlined for aquatic life. The females grow up to 1.8 m (6ft) long; males grow up to 2m (7 ft) long. Most male polar bears weigh an average of about 350 kg (about 880 lb), and most females weigh about 250 kg (550 lb). They have the plantigrade feet (heel and sole touching the ground, with five sharp, curved claws on each foot for grasping the ice and holding its prey. Long hair between the pads protects the bear’s feet from the cold and provides grip on the ice. Stiff hairs on the forelegs, and very broad front feet, help the bear swim.
Polar bears have a strong navigational sense and an extremely good sense of smell, and they are unusually clever at solving problems in order to obtain food. Since they are carnivores; they eat primarily ringed seals, and occasionally bearded seals, walruses, or white whales. They also feed on berries, sedges, mussels, and kelp. They live in pack ice where water is accessible. They can be found throughout Arctic regions.
Except during the breeding season, male polar bears are solitary and roam over vast expanses of sea ice while hunting. During the breeding season (May to June), the males fight furiously over females. Both the male and female may mate with other individuals as well. The female typically gives birth to two cubs after a four-to five month gestation period. Cubs remain with the mother for about 28 month, often nursing the entire time. The young are very small when born: about 1 kg (about 2 lb). Their eyes remain closed for about 40 days and they must nurse every few hours. The mother holds them close to keep them warm.
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The polar bears, which are usually called white bears, are found on the sea ice of the Arctic Circle throughout the North Polar basin. They are classified as Ursus maritimus. They live for about 25 to 30 years. They are now endangered because of habitat destruction.
Polar bears have white fur which may yellow in the summer. Their bodies are longer then other bears and streamlined for aquatic life. The females grow up to 1.8 m (6ft) long; males grow up to 2m (7 ft) long. Most male polar bears weigh an average of about 350 kg (about 880 lb), and most females weigh about 250 kg (550 lb). They have the plantigrade feet (heel and sole touching the ground, with five sharp, curved claws on each foot for grasping the ice and holding its prey. Long hair between the pads protects the bear’s feet from the cold and provides grip on the ice. Stiff hairs on the forelegs, and very broad front feet, help the bear swim.
Polar bears have a strong navigational sense and an extremely good sense of smell, and they are unusually clever at solving problems in order to obtain food. Since they are carnivores; they eat primarily ringed seals, and occasionally bearded seals, walruses, or white whales. They also feed on berries, sedges, mussels, and kelp. They live in pack ice where water is accessible. They can be found throughout Arctic regions.
Except during the breeding season, male polar bears are solitary and roam over vast expanses of sea ice while hunting. During the breeding season (May to June), the males fight furiously over females. Both the male and female may mate with other individuals as well. The female typically gives birth to two cubs after a four-to five month gestation period. Cubs remain with the mother for about 28 month, often nursing the entire time. The young are very small when born: about 1 kg (about 2 lb). Their eyes remain closed for about 40 days and they must nurse every few hours. The mother holds them close to keep them warm.
