Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)

Bear Family (Ursidae)
Polar Bear is a large whitish marine mammal, reaching 9.8 ft in length and 1,200+ lbs. It has small rounded ears, short tail, black skin, stocky legs, and large furry feet (up to 12 in across). Well insulated, it has dense fat and a thick double coat of fur, which is actually transparent, but appears white to tan. Has an excellent sense of smell; can smell a seal almost a mile away and buried 3 ft below snow. A male can be about twice the size of a female and has longer fur on its forelegs. Females start to reproduce around age 4. Breeding season lasts from April and May, but the fertilized eggs (typically 2) do not implant until fall. The female makes a den to give birth and goes into a hibernation-like state. Cubs are born during the winter and remain in the den until spring. The cub remains with its mother for 2.5 years. Life span can be 25+ years in the wild. Active year-round, except for pregnant females. Hunting mostly at the water’s edge, food consists mainly of seals, especially the ringed and bearded seals. Will still-hunt around seal breathing holes, stalk resting seals, and raid seal birth liars. Will scavenge as well. Can live off fat reserves for several months. Excellent swimmer with some individuals found 200 mi from land. Can sprint on land up to 25 mph. Found largely around and adjacent to the Arctic Circle in Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia, and United States. Spends most of its time on sea ice and in the water. During the late summer and early fall, it may be found more on land due to ice melt. Not territorial, but usually solitary most of the time. There are 19 distinct subpopulations. Also known as ice bear, sea bear, and maritime bear.

Listed as threatened federally and species of special concern in CAN.