"Polar Bear, (Ursus Maritimus)".pdf

Polar bears live in the Northern Hemisphere, on the arctic ice cap, and spend most of their time in coastal areas, widely dispersed in Canada, Greenland, Norway, the former Soviet Union, and Alaska. They make extensive migrations, travel long distances for food and mates, and are excellent swimmers. Adult males weigh 500-1,400 pounds and females 400-700 pounds, with a 4-inch layer of fat for warmth. Their white coat is actually clear, hollow tubes that reflect sunlight, and they have adaptations to hunt seals, their primary prey. Polar bears are carnivores, eating seal skin and blubber, and also prey on walrus and whale carcasses. They reach breeding maturity at 3-5 years, and females give birth to 2 cubs in December or January, which stay with them for 2-1/4 years. Polar bears are protected by international agreements and managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service, with cooperative efforts with Canada and Russia to monitor and conserve populations.