Polar bear
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 scorecard 2018
The countries responsible for the conservation of polar bears need to do more to secure a healthy future for the species.
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.
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
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
Recommended reading
Walrus
The walrus is easily recognised by its sheer size and magnificent tusks. It is a keystone species in Arctic marine ecosystems. The walrus was once threatened by commercial hunting, but today the biggest danger it faces is climate change.
Reindeer & Caribou
Arctic caribou and wild reindeer are truly circumpolar animals, linking regions and people around the globe.