Polar bears are the largest land carnivores in the world. They roam the thick Arctic Sea ice around the North Pole, and the shores of Canada, Russia, Alaska, Greenland and Norway near the Arctic Ocean. Their bodies are naturally capable of surviving the harsh cold of the north. They have a thick white coat of fur which grows all over their body, even at the bottom of their paws. The white fur also provides them with camouflage in their icy white environment. Beneath this white fur they have black skin which absorbs heat from the sunlight. A layer of fat under their skin also helps to keep them warm. They have broad feet and sharp claws to avoid slipping on ice and also for hunting prey. Polar bears are strong swimmers. They hunt seals by travelling in the cold waters by swimming or floating on ice sheets for long distances. Polar bears are intimidating creatures. They can grow up to 3 metres in length and weigh up to 450 kg. They are powerful predators and have no enemies in nature. Human activities have largely been responsible for the loss of polar bears. They have been hunted by humans for their fur and fat. More recently, climate change due to global warming has led to a loss of habitat for the polar bear. In 2008, they were declared a ‘vulnerable’ species. It means that their population has declined rapidly and is predicted to further decline in the future. As of 2022, their population was estimated between 22,000 and 31,000.
