Polar Bear | Ursus maritimus

Polar-bears – the white giants of the high North

Distribution area
Polar regions of the Northern hemisphere

Living space
Islands, coasts, drift-ice fields, in the surrounding of open waters

Way of Living
Outsiders, only living as couples for a short time during pairing period

Food
Mainly seals, fishes, whale carcasses

Propagation
The female polar-bear withdraws back in a snow cave and in general cubs 2 young animals in November/December. The cave is only left in April/May, the young ones are led for a period of 2 years. Puberty takes place at an age of 4 to 5 years.

Body size
Size: Length up to 3 mtr height up to 1,5 mtr
Weight: male: 400-800 kg, female: 350-450 kg

Maximum age
41 years

Live stock / Protection status
Approx. 25.000 animals, being subject to the Washington Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora


More information, pictures and videos relating to the biology of the wonderful animal species, relating to important research projects and the world-wide protection efforts you may find on the English internet pages of the organization Polar Bears International.