International Polar Bear Day

Happy International Polar Bear Day!

What is this day about, you may ask? Well, this day was organized by the non-profit known as Polar Bears International, for the purpose of raising awareness of the conservation status of said animal. It's done in February because it's the time of year in which mother polar bears and cubs are enjoying rest times in their dens. 

Polar bears are well, bears. They live in the Arctic, and are considered the largest of all bear species. Adult male polar bears can weigh between 660 and 1,760 pounds (300-800kg). Yeah, male polar bears are big old boys. 

Polar bears are carnivorous, mainly preying on various species of seals. In fact, they are the Arctic's resident apex predators. They also have been known to prey on young walruses (Adult walruses are very formidable opponents for polar bears because of their size and tusks), beluga whales and narwhals, reindeer, and even though they generally aren't made to eat plants, they have been known to chomp down on seaweed on occasion.

Polar bears are known to be great swimmers, reaching speeds of 3 MPH. In fact, they're considered marine mammals because of their dependence on the sea. They can run at up to speeds of 25 MPH. Polar bears are generally solitary animals, except when it comes to mothers with cubs and mating pairs. Female polar bears do hibernate during pregnancy, but otherwise polar bears are generally diurnal. This infographic also has more interesting facts about polar bears.

Sadly, polar bears are considered a vulnerable species. The biggest threat to them is loss of habitat due to climate change. Polar bears live on the arctic ice, and since global warming is causing reductions in the area and accelerating the melting of the ice. This has made it harder for polar bears to hunt their prey, and has forced them on land more, which has also caused conflicts with humans.