Majestic creature of the far north, the polar bear is the world's largest terrestrial carnivore. Its Latin name, Ursus maritimus, means 'sea bear': an apt name for this amazing species which spends much of its life in, around, or on the water - predominantly on the sea ice.
FEATURED
Polar bear tracker
With the help of polar bear researchers, WWF is following polar bears' travels in the Arctic.
Read moreWhy is the polar bear so important?
Large carnivores - those that are at the apex or top of the food chain - are particularly sensitive indicators of the health of an ecosystem. Polar bears help us gain an understanding of what is happening throughout the Arctic.
All recent indicators show that sea ice in the Arctic is melting at an alarming rate, a problem that needs to be addressed immediately if polar bears, and other species unique to the region, are to survive.
About polar bears
Polar bear facts
- scientific name
Ursus maritimus - weight
352 - 680 kg - length
2 - 3 m - population
22,000 - 31,000 polar bears worldwide - status
vulnerable
Polar bears and people
Follow in the footsteps of polar bears
With the help of polar bear researchers, WWF is following polar bears' travels in the Arctic.
Read moreWhat WWF is doing for polar bears
WWF is working around the Arctic to secure a future for polar bears.
Read moreHow we work
Publications
The Circle 04.18
1 October 2018
Polar Bear CAP Scorecard
30 January 2018
Health effects in Arctic wildlife linked to chemical exposures
1 June 2016
Factsheet: Keeping people and polar bears safe
26 February 2016
Polar bears and climate change
1 December 2015
Impact of climate change on species
12 November 2015Meet the team
Share this
Recommended reading
Bowhead whale
This predominantly Arctic species is associated with ice floes. Its movement patterns are therefore influenced by the melting and freezing of the ice. The bowhead has suffered from severe over-exploitation that has seen its range shrink considerably since the 17th century.
Narwhal
The narwhal is famous for the long ivory tusk which spirals counter-clockwise several feet forward from its upper lip. The tusk is actually the whale's upper left canine tooth. Male narwhals commonly have a single tusk, but they sometimes have two tusks, or none at all. Around 15% of females have a tusk.