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The polar bear is a large white bear found in the Arctic. The polar bear is one of the largest meat-eating animals. A meat-eating animal is known as a carnivore. Polar bears feed mainly on ringed or bearded seals. When seals aren't available polar bears will eat other marine mammals like the walrus, narwhal, and beluga whale. The will also eat small rodents, fish, eggs, reindeer, sea birds, ducks, vegetation, kelp, berries, and human garbage.
The male adult bears are 8 - 10 feet long and can weigh between 500 - 1700 pounds. The female bears are about half the size of the males. Polar bears have a thick layer of blubber and fur that keep them warm in the cool climate where they live. Their white fur helps them blend into the snowy landscape, helping to protect it. Polar bears can live to be 25 years old.
Polar bears can have 1 - 4 cubs, but most of the time they have 2 cubs. The cubs are born from November through January while their mothers are hibernating in a den. A polar bear is pregnant with her babies for 8 months. A female polar bear can have five litters in their lifetime. The cubs will remain with their mother for 2 ½ years.
Many people believe the polar bear is at risk of becoming extinct because of global warming. When the ice disappears there is no place for the bears to rest after they finish swimming and searching for food. Many believe by the year 2050, the population of polar bears will decrease by two-thirds.
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