Introduction The World of Polar Bears The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a carnivorous bear whose native range lies largely within the Arctic Circle, encompassing the Arctic Ocean, its surrounding seas and surrounding land masses. It is ... More
Scientific Classification The World of Polar Bears A. Order – Carnivora The scientific order Carnivora includes bears, dogs, cats, raccoons, otters, weasels, and their relatives. All typical carnivores have well developed claws and a pair of spe ... More
Habitat und Distribution The World of Polar Bears A. Distribution Polar bears are found throughout the circumpolar Arctic. Polar bears, or their tracks, have been reported almost as far north as the pole; however, scientists believe few bears frequen ... More
Physical Characteristics The World of Polar Bears A. Size Polar bears are the largest land carnivore. Male polar bears (boars) grow two to three times the size of female polar bears (sows). Boars weigh about 350 to more than 650 kg (772-1,433 lb.) an ... More
Senses The World of Polar Bears A. Hearing A polar bear’s hearing is probably as sensitive as human hearing. Humans can hear sounds with frequencies as low as 0.02 kHz and as high as 20 kHz. B. Eyesight The eyesight of polar b ... More
Adaptations for an Aquatic Environment The World of Polar Bears A. Swimming Polar bears are strong swimmers; they swim across bays or wide leads without hesitation. They can swim for several hours at a time over long distances. They’ve been tracked swimming ... More
Behavior The World of Polar Bears A. Daily activity cycle Polar bears are most active the first third of the day and least active the final third of the day. In the Canadian Arctic, adult female polar bears with cubs hunt about 19% of ... More
Diet and Eating Habits The World of Polar Bears A. Food preferences and resources Polar bears feed mainly on ringed seals and bearded seals. Depending upon their location, they also eat harp and hooded seals and scavenge on carcasses of beluga whal ... More
Reproduction The World of Polar Bears A. Sexual maturity Female polar bears reach sexual maturity at about 4 years (Stirling, 1988). Male polar bears reach sexual maturity at about 6 years (Stirling, 1988). Most male polar bears don’ ... More
Birth and Care of Young The World of Polar Bears A. Gestation The total gestation period is about eight months. Gestation includes a period of delayed implantation. a. The fertilized egg divides into a hollow ball of cells one layer thick (a blastoc ... More
