The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a mammal belonging to
the order of Carnivora and the family Ursidae. The polar bear is the largest
member of the bear species and the largest meat eating animal on the planet.
Polar bears are located in the Artic circle and are considered vulnerable to
extinction by animal conservation experts.
Over time, the polar bear has adapted to a cold weather,
cold water habitat. Unique features of the polar bear include fur on the bottom
of their feet to increase traction on ice and snow, a double layer of fur to
keep them warm in cold temperatures, large feet for weight distribution and
swimming assistance and scooped claws for digging in snow and attacking prey.
The polar bear diet consists mainly of seal meat.
The male polar bear can weigh as much as 1500 pounds and can
be almost ten feet in length. The female of the species is roughly half the
size and weight of their male counterparts. The polar bear can be a violent
creature when provoked or when extremely hungry. There are many accounts of
polar bears attacking, killing and eating human beings. Humans have over hunted
the polar bear for many decades.