Polar Bear.

Polar Bear. Class Mammalia Order Carnivora Family Ursidae Genus Ursus Species maritimus Names male: boar female: sow young: cub Conservation At risk due to habitat infringement. Concerns Range Throughout Arctic regions. Habitat Pack ice where water is accessible. Size Length: Females grow up to 1.8 m (6 ft) long; males grow up to 2 m (7 ft) long. Weight: Females weigh 150 to 300 kg (330 to 660 lb); males weigh 300 to 800 kg (660 to 1760 lb). Feeding Habits Polar bears are carnivores; they eat mainly ringed seals and bearded seals. Offspring The female typically gives birth to two cubs after a four- to five-month gestation period. Cubs remain with the mother for about 28 months, often nursing the entire time. Life Span About 25 to 30 years. Did You Know A polar bear's white fur gets yellowish during the summer. Female polar bears give birth while in a state similar to hibernation. Polar bears have black skin. For camouflage when hunting on ice, many polar bears hide their black noses with their paws. Polar bears tend to swim with their heads and shoulders above water. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.