Polar Bear

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is the largest bear species and the biggest land carnivore alive today. It lives across the Arctic, where sea ice provides the platform it needs to hunt. Although it can travel long distances on land and swim for many kilometers, it depends mainly on frozen seas rather than solid ground.

Its thick white-looking fur actually consists of transparent hairs that scatter light, while a dense layer of fat beneath black skin helps conserve body heat. Wide paws spread its weight over snow and ice, making walking easier while also acting like paddles in the water. A keen sense of smell allows it to detect seals from more than a kilometer away or even beneath thick snow.

Seals, especially ringed and bearded seals, make up most of the polar bear's diet. It often waits patiently beside breathing holes in the ice or stalks seals resting on the surface, relying on stealth instead of speed. Adult males usually live alone except during the breeding season, while females raise one or two cubs in snow dens through the Arctic winter.

Cubs remain with their mother for more than two years, learning the hunting skills needed to survive. Today, the greatest threat to polar bears is the loss of sea ice caused by climate change, which shortens their hunting season and forces many bears to travel farther in search of food.