Did you know that polar bears are the largest land carnivores in the world?
Polar bears are some of the most iconic bears, with their likeness featured on everything from winter decorations to Coca-Cola ads. But how much do you know about the largest land carnivore in the world? Read on to learn more about the polar bear.
1. Climate change is making it harder for polar bears to hunt.
Polar bears hunt seals through ice, and as the world’s ice melts, it’s more difficult for them to hunt.
2. Polar bears are strong swimmers.
They’re the only bears considered marine mammals.
3. Polar bears likely evolved when a population of brown bears traveled north into the Arctic during a warm period and became stuck up there.
Now, they’re iconic Arctic animals.
4. Polar bears are the largest land carnivores in the world.
They are also the largest bear species on Earth.
5. Polar bears have adapted to life in the frigid Arctic.
They have dense fur and a thick layer of fat to keep them warm, as well as small bumps under their paws to stop them from slipping on the ice.
6. They can grow up to 10 feet tall on their hind legs.
Imagine meeting a 10-foot-tall bear in the wild!
7. Polar bears spend their time alone.
Except for when a mother is raising her cubs, that is.
Global warming, the steady increase in global temperatures caused by human activities such as factory farming, is decimating polar bears’ habitats. One way you can help protect polar bears is by pledging to eat less meat.