Polar bears, the biggest bear in the world and the main predator in the
Arctic, are a potent representation of the tenacity and resilience of the
region. Ursus maritimus, the Latin name for the polar bear, translates to
"sea bear." It's a fitting moniker for this magnificent species, which
lives primarily on sea ice and spends much of its time in, around, or on
the water. Alaska in the United States is home to two separate polar bear
populations. Polar bears are known to be skilled swimmers, and they can
maintain a speed of six miles per hour by using their front paws as
paddles and their hind legs as rudders. They are protected from the chilly
air and water by a thick layer of body fat and a water-repellent coat.
Polar bears hunt for food for more than half of their waking hours.
Depending on the season and other factors, a polar bear may only catch one
or two of every ten seals it hunts. Because they require a lot of fat to
survive, ringed and bearded seals make up the majority of their diet.
