Polar Bear Facts
Ursus maritimus
Polar bears are sea-ice specialists of the Arctic and the largest living bear species. They depend on frozen ocean platforms to hunt seals, travel, and reach seasonal feeding areas.
- Habitat
- Polar
- Diet
- Primarily ringed and bearded seals
- Lifespan
- 25–30 years
Polar Bear Facts at a Glance
Polar bears are sea-ice specialists of the Arctic and the largest living bear species. They depend on frozen ocean platforms to hunt seals, travel, and reach seasonal feeding areas.
It belongs to the family Ursidae in the order Carnivora. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; the source names below document the review basis.
Polar Bear Habitat
Polar Bears live in Polar and Marine and Coastal habitats. Their recorded range includes Arctic. Suitable food, shelter, and conditions for raising young help shape that range.
What Do Polar Bears Eat?
Polar Bears have a carnivore diet that includes Primarily ringed and bearded seals. The food available in their environment shapes how they find, hunt, forage for, or receive meals.
Polar Bear Lifespan, Size, and Weight
Polar Bears typically live for 25–30 years. Adults measure about 180–250 cm and weigh around 150–800 kg; these ranges can vary with sex, age, environment, and access to food.
Polar Bear Conservation Status
Polar Bear is listed here as Vulnerable. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.
Quick facts
- Region
- Arctic
- Habitat
- Polar, Marine, Coastal
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Lifespan
- 25–30 years
- Size
- 180–250 cm
- Weight
- 150–800 kg
Fun facts
- Black skin beneath translucent fur helps absorb solar warmth.
- Broad, furred paws spread body weight on ice and act like paddles while swimming.
- A powerful sense of smell can detect seals hidden beneath snow and ice.
- Pregnant females shelter in snow dens while other polar bears remain active through winter.
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Sources and image credit
Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under the stated license.