Polar bear
Majestic creature of the far north, the polar bear is the world's largest terrestrial carnivore. Its Latin name, Ursus maritimus, means 'sea bear': an apt name for this amazing species which spends much of its life in, around, or on the water - predominantly on the sea ice.
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The Arctic is changing. Can polar bears change with it?
The first time I saw a polar bear, I was doing field work in the Canadian Arctic. In fact, we were visited by six bears within 24 hours as the summer sea ice broke up and bears began moving to land. I felt fortunate that three Inuit researchers were in the camp with us.
Read moreWhy is the polar bear so important?
Large carnivores - those that are at the apex or top of the food chain - are particularly sensitive indicators of the health of an ecosystem. Polar bears help us gain an understanding of what is happening throughout the Arctic.
All recent indicators show that sea ice in the Arctic is melting at an alarming rate, a problem that needs to be addressed immediately if polar bears, and other species unique to the region, are to survive.
Polar bear facts
- scientific name
Ursus maritimus - weight
352 - 680 kg - length
2 - 3 m - population
22,000 - 31,000 polar bears worldwide - status
vulnerable
Follow in the footsteps of polar bears
With the help of polar bear researchers, WWF is following polar bears' travels in the Arctic.
Read moreWhat WWF is doing for polar bears
WWF is working around the Arctic to secure a future for polar bears.
Learn more
