Polar Bear

scientific name

Ursus maritimus

size

Weight. male 770-1430+ lbs. " female 385-660+ lbs.
Height. standing, male to 11' " female 6-8'

characteristics

extremely well adapted to cold & aquatic environment
Adaptations/Coloration. white or yellowish " white serves as camouflage
Body. heavy layers of blubber up to 4" thick " provides insulation & buoyancy
Ears. small (less heat loss)
Feet. heavily furred to insulate & provide traction on ice (also allows very quiet movement) " large " partially webbed (good oars)
Fur. thick " hair transparent, hollow, & conducts solar energy to black (mottled) skin
Smell. good (for hunting)
Swim. can swim 43+ mi. per day
Vision. keen

behavior

solitary except during breeding season or females with cubs " occasionally congregate at exceptional food source, such as whale/walrus carcass, or at start of ice flow (like Churchill)
Den. don't den up (except pregnant females) as do most northern climate bears " males may den up if weather extremely severe
Migration. seasonal following food supply " can range up to 2000 mi. in 1 yr.
Populations. maintain distinct population within distinct territories
Storms. don't like the wind because it is dehydrating " will avoid if possible

reproduction/life span

Life span. 25-30 yrs " maximum 33 yrs
Sexual Maturity. female 4-5 yrs " male 5-6 yrs
Mate. wild Apr-June " captivity Feb-June
Implantation. delayed
Gestation. ~8 mos.
Cubs. 10" long " 21-25 oz " 1-3 " born Dec-Jan in captivity " leave den Apr (17-24 lbs.) " remain with mother 28-40 mos. " mothers milk rich (31% butterfat) " cubs grow quickly (70-100 lbs. 1st yr.)

diet

Wild. primary food is ringed seals (2nd is bearded seals), harp seals, hooded seals, & walrus & whale carcasses when available " in summer, also eat berries, plants, small rodents, crabs, seaweed, starfish, sea cucumbers, etc

Zoo. omnivore chow, fish (trout), carrots, apples, steelhead, bones, & vitamin oil

habitat/range

sea ice & waters " islands " coasts of Arctic Ice Cap " prefer ice that is periodically fractured by sea currents where seals are abundant

status

cites App II " limited hunts still allowed " Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Norway, Russia, & us pooling knowledge & keeping eye on status " major oil spill could devastate population by killing seals, their main food

oregon zoo exhibit

Bears