Polar Bears can be found in the northern areas of Canada, Alaska,
Russia and Norway. They are also located in various parts of
Greenland.
Polar Bears' diets consist mainly of seals. Polar Bears will use a
variety of tactics while hunting seals, and these tactics will usually
involve stealth and patience. Polar Bears will occasionally feed on
other animals including walruses. Polar Bears will also sometimes
feed on the carcases of dead whales.
Polar Bears are often located near areas of water and ice floes where
their favorite food - seals - can be found. Polar Bears have dens in
which they will sleep and where the females will give birth to cubs.
Polar Bears do not enter true hibernation in the winter as this is a
period of hunting, however, some Polar Bears and pregnant females in
particular will enter a deep sleep where their heart rates will drop.
Polar Bears are among the largest land mammals on earth. Males
can weigh between 700 - 1400 pounds and stand between 8 - 10 feet
tall. Females are smaller than males, with weights averaging 350 -
700 pounds. Polar Bears appear to have a white coat; however, the
actual hairs are translucent and clear. The skin of the Polar Bear is
black. The coat and skin are adapted to absorb sunlight and retain
heat. Like many animals of the tundra, Polar Bears have short ears to
minimize heat loss.
Polar Bears will give birth one out of every two to three years. The
mating season occurs in the spring, and the female will then give birth
in the winter to a litter of one to two cubs.
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