Polar Bears: Just the Facts
Polar bears are very striking creatures. Sleek, gleaming, and powerful,
they make for some spectacular photo opportunities. But many people have
questions about the polar bear, questions I hope to answer. If I have
missed something, please let me know. If I don't know the answer, I'll
find it.
Vital Statistics
NAME: Ursus maritimus, literally, "Water Bear." The polar
bear is unusual in that it is both an aquatic and terrestrial animal,
spending its time equally between the land and the water (on the ice flows).
HEIGHT: On all four legs, the polar bear stands from four to five
feet tall at the shoulder. When standing upright, it is around eight feet
tall, with an upper limit of almost 12 feet. Coupled with its great weight
(see below), the polar bear is the largest land predator on the planet.
WEIGHT: The male bear averages 1100 lbs with an upper range of 1600
lbs. The female bear averages 600 lbs, with an upper range of 800 lbs.
MORE DATA COMING SOON!
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