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Ursus maritimus (polar bear)

The polar bear is the largest carnivorous quadruped. Polar bears are usually solitary but may congregate at good food sources or in ice-free conditions. Range: circumpolar in northern hemisphere. Habitat: sea ice and waters, islands and coasts. Diet: predominantly seals. Size: male: - body length 2.5-3 m (8.2-9.8 ft) - weight 350-650 kg (770-1430 lb) female: - body length 2-2.5 m (6.6-8.2 ft) - weight 175-300 kg (385-660 lb) Gestation: about 8 months Longevity: 20-25 years

General

Ursus

Properties

KINGDOM: animal PHYLUM: chordate SUBPHYLUM: vertebrate ORDER: carnivora FAMILY: Ursidae (bears) GENUS: Ursus SPECIES: MARITIMUS DISTRIBUTION: circumpolar in northern hemisphere. HABITAT: sea ice and waters, islands and coasts. DIET: predominantly seals. SIZE: male: body length 2.5-3 m (8.2-9.8 ft) weight 350-650 kg (770-1430 lb) female: body length 2-2.5 m (6.6-8.2 ft) weight 175-300 kg (385-660 lb) GESTATION: about 8 months LONGEVITY: 20-25 years

References

The Encyclopedia of Mammals. Ed. David MacDonald 1984.