Polar Bear

Quick facts

• The polar bear (Ursus maritimus, Latin: “sea bear”) is the largest living bear species and is classified as a marine mammal because it depends on sea ice and the marine environment for hunting, mating, and travel. ([fws.gov](https://www.fws.gov/species/polar-bear-ursus-maritimus?utm_source=openai))
• Polar bears primarily eat seals (especially ringed and bearded seals); they rely on sea ice as a platform to hunt fat-rich marine mammals. ([worldwildlife.org](https://www.worldwildlife.org/species/polar-bear/?utm_source=openai))
• Their hair is translucent (not pigmented) and the skin underneath is black; this combination helps insulation and light absorption, and makes their coat appear white to human eyes. ([education.nationalgeographic.org](https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/animals-101-polar-bears/?utm_source=openai))
• Conservation status: the IUCN Polar Bear Specialist Group / IUCN Red List classifies polar bears as Vulnerable; circumpolar population estimates are commonly cited in the range ~22,000–31,000 (a widely used estimate is ~26,000). Habitat loss from declining Arctic sea ice (climate change) is the primary long-term threat. ([iucn-pbsg.org](https://www.iucn-pbsg.org/iucn-redlist/?utm_source=openai))
• Polar bears are strong swimmers with large, partly webbed paws that help them paddle; individuals can travel long distances in water and use sea ice and open water during their seasonal movements. ([bearbiology.org](https://www.bearbiology.org/the-eight-bear-species/ursus-maritimus-polar-bear/?utm_source=openai))