The Polar Bear

The Polar Bear is called so because this species of bears is found on the poles only. The Polar Bears is seen on the arctic coasts and islands of the five countries around the North Pole, Canada, Denmark (Greenland), the United States (Alaska), Norway and Russia. Some people call the Polar bears fortunate for living in a heavenly place.

However, these cute bears live in the icy area where the availability of food is not good. These beasts have to really struggle for their survival. Thanks to the almighty God who has bestowed them with thick fur to guard them from freezing temperature. Their nearness to the oceans has made them excellent swimmers.

The polar bears can run at up to 40km/h on land or ice, even they are well adapted to live under the water. They have slightly webbed paws, nostrils that close underwater and water-repellent fur that becomes dry on shaking the body.

The mating season of the Polar bears is during April/May months. Over a one week period is needed to induce ovulation. Their fertilized egg is left as it is until August or September. Within these 4 months, the females eat stupendous amounts of food increasing their weights twice or even more. In the month of August ice breaks up. They dig their maternity den in a snow drift and go for hibernation. In the month of December the cubs are born.

Polar bears are also under a threat of extinction. The reason for their decreasing numbers is global warming and the spread of hormone-disrupting chemicals. Not only polar bears are a victim to human activities, but the penguins, walrus and seals too are facing trouble. As per the surveys by the Canadian Wildlife Services, we come to know that the population of bears in Canada's Hudson Bay has been affected. The Ice bay is melting up day by day.