Physical Characteristics Size and Weight: Polar bears are the largest land carnivores. Male polar bears can weigh as much as 10 average first-graders combined, around 900 to 1,600 pounds! Female polar bears are smaller, weighing around 400 to 700 pounds.
Color and Fur: Although they look white, polar bears actually have black skin under their thick fur. Their fur is made up of two layers – a dense undercoat and an outer layer of guard hairs that are hollow and transparent.
Paws and Claws: Polar bears have large, strong paws that help them walk on ice and swim in the water. Their paws can be up to 12 inches wide, which is as long as a ruler! They also have sharp claws that help them catch their prey.
Habitat Where They Live: Polar bears live in the Arctic region, which includes areas around the North Pole like Canada, Alaska, Russia, Greenland, and Norway. They spend most of their time on sea ice, where they hunt for food.
Diet What They Eat: Polar bears love to eat seals. They use their excellent sense of smell to find seals' breathing holes in the ice. They wait patiently for a seal to come up for air and then catch it with their powerful paws and jaws.
Behavior Swimming Skills: Polar bears are great swimmers! They can swim for several miles at a time to find food or new ice. Their big paws act like paddles in the water.