Thalarctos maritimus

The polar bear is around 3.3 m (11 ft.) long.

The polar bear weighs about 680 kg (1,500 lb).

The polar bear has whitish yellow fur. Its neck is long and its head is small for its size. the long neck helps it keep its head out of the water when it swims.

The polar bear eats ringed seals, bearded seals, harp seals, hooded seals,beluga whales, nar whales, walrus, and bowheaded seals.

The polar bear lives in the Arctic, near the Arctic Circle.

• Polar bears are the most powerful swimmers of all bears. They can swim 60 miles without rest.
• The Polar bear's light colored fur helps it stay hidden.
• Polar bears use their front paws as paddles. These paws are webbed like those of ducks.
• Each hair on the polar bear's body is hollow to help insulate the bear from cold weather.

• Animal Diversity Web
• Animal Omnibus
• The Bear Den
• World Wildlife Fund Animal Factsheet