- Polar Bears
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are majestic marine mammals native to the Arctic region, known for their thick white fur, which provides insulation in the frigid environment and helps them blend into their icy surroundings. As the largest bear species and the most carnivorous, polar bears primarily feed on seals, using sea ice as a platform to hunt.
Polar bears are excellent swimmers, capable of covering long distances in open water between ice floes, aided by their partially webbed paws. However, the ongoing loss of sea ice due to climate change poses a significant threat to their survival. With shrinking hunting grounds, polar bears face increasing difficulty in finding food, leading to malnutrition and declining populations.
Polar bears play a critical role in the Arctic ecosystem and are considered an indicator species for climate change, as their well-being reflects the health of their icy habitat.
