| Polar Bears |
| The polar bear is a very easily identified animal to most people. All we have to do is just think about its white coat and we know what it is but that is about all that we know. So to help this, I am going to try and tell you a little more about polar bears. The polar bear comes from the subfamily of Ursineae and its scientific name is Ursus maritimas. Compared to other bears it is much larger. At an average weight of about 1,320 lbs. to about 1, 760, the polar bear is the largest land carnivore alive today. |
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| Like most species, the polar bear has a preffered habitat. THey usually stay iadjacent to shorelines and archipelagos where annual ice is present. During some months, when the ice melts, polar bears will go on shore and, in a sense, hibernate. THey rest and conserve their energy. This time is excellent for mating. Most litters have about two cubs and these cubs will stay with their mother until they are about 2 and a half years old. To sustain its enormous size and stay healthy, a polar bear eats animals such as ringed seals and sometmes bearded seals. THey even prey on small walruses and beluga wales at times. THis is why th epolar bear is the most carnivorous bear. To be able to live in the environment that it is a part of, |
| the polar bear has had to adapt to an aquatic surrounding. THey use their front paws to propel them through the water in a doggy paddle style and they use their hind legs as rudders. To be used as rudders the polar bears feet have become adapt by having a more flattend shape. ALso, they need to be warm while swimming in artic water so the polar bear has an 11cm layer of blubber. A few other facts about their adaptation is that their nose closes under water and their fur easily shakes off water once they have exited the water. |
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