The world's largest terrestrial carnivore and an icon of climate change. Polar bears are uniquely dependent on sea ice for hunting seals — and Arctic sea ice has declined ~13% per decade since 1980.

Also called: Sea Bear, Ice Bear, Nanuk

Native status: Native; vulnerable from sea-ice loss

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 200–250 cm (6.5–8 ft); shoulder height 70–105 cm
WeightMales 270–700 kg (600–1,500 lb); females 150–250 kg
LifespanWild 15–18 years; oldest documented 32
OrderCarnivora
FamilyUrsidae

§ Encyclopedia

The polar bear is a large bear native to the Arctic and nearby areas. It is closely related to the brown bear, and the two species can interbreed. The polar bear is the largest extant species of bear and land carnivore by body mass, with adult males weighing 300–800 kg (660–1,760 lb). The species is sexually dimorphic, as adult females are much smaller. The polar bear is white- or yellowish-furred with black skin and a thick layer of fat. It is more slender than the brown bear, with a narrower skull, longer neck and lower shoulder hump. Its teeth are sharper and more adapted to cutting meat. The paws are large and allow the bear to walk on ice and paddle in the water.

Source: Wikipedia — Polar bear Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Largest extant land carnivore. Translucent white-yellow fur; long necks for swimming; massive paws (30 cm wide).

Similar species. Grizzly Bear (smaller, brown, range overlap minimal). Confirmed hybrid "pizzly bears" exist.

Voice. Generally silent. Mothers chuff to cubs; growls in conflict.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Mostly seals — ringed and bearded. Will scavenge whale carcasses; eats eggs and vegetation in summer.

Behavior. Solitary. Travels enormous distances following sea ice. Mothers den in snow caves for 5–7 months, giving birth to tiny cubs (~600 g) that nurse on rich milk.

§ Range

Arctic Ocean coasts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia

§ Habitat

Arctic sea ice, coastal tundra, ice floes

§ Threats

Loss of summer sea ice, contaminants accumulating up the food chain, oil and gas development, human conflict.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the polar bear is currently classified as Vulnerable.

§ What helps

Support climate policy. Reduce personal carbon footprint. Donate to Arctic conservation organizations.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Polar Bears International
  • IUCN Polar Bear Specialist Group
  • USGS Alaska Science Center
  • IUCN Red List 2015