Polar Bear

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is the largest land predator on the planet and a true symbol of the Arctic regions. Its thick white fur, powerful paws, and ability to survive in extreme conditions have made it one of the most recognizable animals on Earth.

The polar bear inhabits the northern regions of the Arctic, including Canada, Greenland, the United States (Alaska), and Arctic islands. Its primary habitat is sea ice, where it hunts seals - its main source of food.

The polar bear is a symbol of Greenland and is depicted on the coat of arms of the territory.

Most adult male polar bears weigh between 300 and 600 kg, and their body length ranges from 2.4 to 2.6 meters.

This predator is perfectly adapted to the cold. Its fur has a unique structure: it is hollow, which helps retain heat, and beneath the skin lies a thick layer of fat that allows it to endure harsh Arctic winters.

Despite its white fur, the polar bear’s skin is black, which helps it absorb and retain warmth from the sun.

Due to global warming, Arctic sea ice is melting, and polar bears are losing their hunting grounds. This makes their survival much more difficult. For this reason, they are listed in the Red Book as a vulnerable species.

P.S. Image attribution: Image by Heiko Behn from Pixabay