nb-polar+bears

== =Polar Bears Rock The Ice:)= 

Common Name:
Polar Bear (s)

Scientific Name:
Ursus Maritimus



Physical Features:
A polar bear has a long body, neck, and head; short, furry ears; and sharp teeth. Some weigh more then 1K pounds. They also have dense, white fur. Their fur has layers of fat to protect them from the bitter cold. It also serves as camouflage when in hunting season. Polar bears live rarely 25 years. Wild polar bears live up to 33 years.

Size:
Adult male 352-680 pounds

=Average lifespan:= 15 to 18 years

Habitat:
Polar bears live in sea ice, or an icy place that melts for part of the year. Spends many years at sea, mostly underwater. Sea ice covering the waters, over the continental shelf.

Range:
There are 5 nations; Denmark (Greenland), Norway (Savlbard), Russia USA (Alaska), and Canada.

Diet:
Polar bears kill and eat Walrus' and beluga whales. They hunt reindeer and sometimes snack on birds, bird eggs, kelp, beached whales, artic foxes, ravens, and younger birds.

Behavior & adaptations to its way of life:
layers of fur keep them warm. They are protected by blubber. Compact ears and a small tail also prevents heat loss.

How it reproduces:
Pregnant polar bears occupy a den from October to April. She often digs the den in a deep snow bank on the side of a hill or valley. Usually gives birth to twin cubs.

Relationship to people:
Polar bears are related to people by being pets at the zoo.

History:
Polar bears are closely related to Brown bears. Brown bears migrated around 100,000 years ago. Most northern countries have laws to protect polar bears. Hunters are still able to kill a few each year.

Status:
Its possible two-thirds can disappear by 2050. Polar bears are threatened, due to hunters killing them