The polar bear is one of eight bear

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

• 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.

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

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

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

• 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.

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

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

• Polar bears have a superb sense of smell.

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

• Polar bears are champion swimmers.

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

• 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.

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