© naturepl.com / Steven Kazlowski / WWF

Polar bear

 

Majestic creature of the far north, the polar bear is the world’s largest terrestrial carnivore. Its Latin name, Ursus maritimus, means ‘sea bear’: an apt name for this amazing animal, which spends much of its life in, around, or on the water – predominantly on the sea ice.

Why ARE polar bears so important?

Large carnivores – those that are at the apex or top of the food chain – are particularly sensitive indicators of the health of an ecosystem. Polar bears help us gain an understanding of what is happening throughout the Arctic.

All recent indicators show that sea ice in the Arctic is melting at an alarming rate, a problem that needs to be addressed immediately if polar bears, and other species unique to the region, are to survive.

© naturepl.com / Steven Kazlowski / WWF

Polar bear facts

Scientific name
Ursus maritimus

Weight
350 – 650 kg (males)
150 – 350 kg (females)

Length
2 – 3 m

Population
22,000 – 31,000 polar bears worldwide

IUCN Red List status
Vulnerable

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The Circle magazine

The latest stories on polar bears in our magazine, The Circle.