Polar Bear
The
Polar bear (Ursus maritimus)
evolved from coastal populations of grizzly bears during the late
Pleistocene period. The first
recorded mention in North America was in 1794 by Captain Phipps in A Voyage towards the North Pole.
Phipps called the bear Ursus
maritimus, which is the scientific name by which it is known today.
Other names such as Nanook, ice bear and white bear all identify the
polar bear.
Polar
bears have long bodies with a large neck and head.
The tail is short and the claws are long with a slight curve.
Colour ranges from the pure white of new coats in summer to coats with a
yellowish cast or tinge in later winter and spring. The coat consists of an outer layer of glossy guard hair overlying thick
underhair, which covers a heavy layer of sub-cutaneous fat.
Short furry ears and dense fur between the pads of the feet complete the
bear's arctic survival suit.
Polar
bears are the largest members of the bear family.
Females grow until they are about 4 years old and attain maximum weights
of 300 kg, but males, which continue growing until about 8 years of age, may
weigh from 500 to 600 kg and measure between 2.5 and 3.5 m from nose to tail.
For
additional information, see
NWT
Species at Risk Fact Sheet - Polar Bear.
|
