Polar Bears and Global Warming

The Polar Bear

Picture
Scientific Classification: Urus Maritimus
Height: Adult males eight to ten feet; females six to eight feet tall
Weight: Adult males 550 to 1500 pounds; females 200 to 700 pounds
Life Span: Wildlife 15-18 years; Captivity mid- to late 30s
Population:20,000 to 25,000
Fun Facts:
  • The five nations that have polar bear populations are: The United States (Alaska), Canada, Russia, Denmark (Greenland), and Norway. Polar bears are also found in the Arctic.
  • Polar bears are the largest land predators and are one of the largest carnivores on land.
  • Females have an average litter size of two cubs.
  • Breeding takes place from March to May.
  • Cubs are born November through January.
  • Cubs stay with mothers for two to two and a half years.
  • Polar bears have 19 sub-populations (a group of polar bears that interbred with independent polar bears)
  • In May 2008 polar bears were listed "Threatened Species" under The Endangered Species Act.
  • Polar bears are at the top of the food chain in the Arctic.
  • Humans are the only predators polar bears have besides other polar bears when cannibalism occurs as a result of food stress.

Project by: Woudese Befikadu