Ursus maritimus (polar bear)
Specimen Images | FW1200 |
| Diet | Carnivorous, expert hunter, primarily feeds on seals when available |
| Habitat | Pack ice in the Arctic Ocean, arctic islands and coastlines, circumpolar. |
| Description | Largest of bears, with long neck and small head. White to yellowish with black muzzle and nose. Genetically close to brown bears and can produce fertile hybrids, the offspring adopting the culture of the mother. |
| Skull Characteristics | Very large nasal opening and rostrum, narrower skull than U. arctos. |
| Notes | Links to more species information:
Smithsonian Animal Diversity Web |