Polar Bear
Ursus maritimus
Did you know?
- Polar bears are part of the Ursidae family, which they share with other bear species.
- They live in tundra, coastlines and on ice in the Arctic Circle.
- They are some of the largest carnivores on Earth.
- They can swim more than 60 miles without rest.
- Usually, a female will have two cubs at a time.
Built for the Artic
Polar bears are built for the arctic. Their coat has an outer layer of guard hair over a thick layer of under hair, making it water repellent and insulating against frigid temperatures. Their white coat provides exceptional camouflage in their icy and snowy habitats. They have unusually small ears and tail, which helps prevent heat loss. Whereas, their feet are large and wide, perfect for walking on ice without slipping. They have thick fur between their toes, which helps prevent freezing. Females can weigh up to 650 pounds. Males can grow up to ten feet long and can weigh 900 to 1500 pounds. Their size helps hunting, but their fat also helps with temperature control in sub-zero temperatures.
At Home on Ice
Sea ice is essential to polar bears. They use ice for hunting. Specifically, they hunt seals on ice floes or near breath holes, since polar bears are not fast enough swimmers to catch seals in open water. They stalk and ambush their other prey on ice as well. Additionally, these bears use ice for mating and maternal denning. Over the last 20 years, scientists have noticed a marked reduction in Arctic Sea ice.
Threat Level
- Unknown
- Common
- Near Threatened
- Threatened
- Endangered
- Critically Endangered
- Extinct in the Wild
Threatened
The Polar Bear faces a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Range
Arctic Circle: Greenland, Norway, Russia, Canada, Alaska
Habitat
Tundra, coastlines, floating ice blocks
We care about polar bears
Scientists are particularly concerned that polar bears may be less able to adapt to environmental changes than other bear species. Not only are polar bears highly specialized for life in the Arctic marine environment, but they also have low reproductive rates. This, combined with the current speed of global warming, makes it unlikely that the bears will be able to adapt.
The Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute partners with Polar Bears International (PBI), a non-profit organization dedicated to worldwide conservation of the polar bear and its habitat. Zoo staff have been actively involved with PBI to provide education programs that inform and empower people to make a difference by reducing carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. The WildCare Institute also has supported a PBI maternal den study of this species.
Learn more about how the Zoo is helping wildlife around the world.
Find this animal in The Wild
SAINT LOUIS ZOO ZONE
The Wild
You’ll find penguins, puffins, grizzly bears, gorillas, chimpanzees, to name a few. And while visiting, you can take a ride on the Conservation Carousel or hop aboard and ride the Zooline Railroad. There are also gift shops and eateries you can enjoy.