Polar bear (Ursus maritimus)

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a large carnivorous mammal native to the Arctic region. It has a thick white fur and a layer of fat to insulate against cold temperatures. Adapted to an ice-covered environment, polar bears primarily hunt seals, relying on their strong swimmers and sharp claws to catch prey from the icy waters. They are excellent swimmers, capable of covering long distances. As dependents of sea ice for hunting and resting, they are vulnerable to climate change, with shrinking ice habitats threatening their survival. Polar bears are considered a symbol of Arctic ecosystems and the impacts of global warming.