Wild Windows · Polar Bear
Ursus maritimus
The Arctic's apex predator and the world's largest land carnivore. Polar bears depend on sea ice as a hunting platform — making them one of the species most directly threatened by climate change.
Natural History
Habitat
Sea ice across the Arctic Ocean and adjacent seas; denning sites on land in northern Canada, Alaska, Russia, Greenland, and Norway.
Diet
Carnivore — primarily ringed and bearded seals, hunted from the edge of the sea ice.
Lifespan
25 to 30 years in the wild.
Behavior
Solitary except during breeding and when mothers raise cubs. An adult male can weigh over 700 kg yet move silently across the ice. Black skin under translucent fur absorbs heat from the sun.
Classroom Facts
Live Cameras
Each listing is hand-verified for source, permission status, and viewing quality.
Use This With
Printable, photocopy-friendly, designed by educators. Pair them with any cam featuring this species.
Research-style ethogram for grades 6–12. Two pages: definitions of 12 mammal behaviors, plus a 30-minute one-zero observation log students fill in during a cam watch. Compatible with our giant panda, African elephant, sea otter, African lion, polar bear, mountain gorilla, and red panda pages.
