Polar bear ... The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a large bear native to the Arctic and nearby areas. It is closely related to the brown bear, and the two species can interbreed. The polar …

Dec 20, 2025 · Polar bear, great white northern bear found throughout the Arctic region. The polar bear is the largest and most powerful carnivore on land, a title it shares with a subspecies of …

Polar bears are key to Arctic ecosystems. Discover WWF’s efforts to combat sea ice loss and safeguard polar bear populations.

13 hours ago · The Polar Bear Swim in Vancouver in the 1970s. Lisa Pantages, second from the left, will complete her 64th annual plunge this New Year’s. Courtesy of Lisa Pantages

Discover fascinating facts about polar bears and find out about our work with tracking polar bears in the Arctic.

Feb 13, 2025 · Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are closely related to brown bears but have adapted to life in the snow and ice and live in the coldest environments in the nation.

Dec 13, 2025 · As the world's largest bear, and largest land carnivore, polar bears are impressive mammals and are adapted to living in the harsh Arctic environment.

However, they are still bears. The polar bear evolved one to three million years ago from the brown bear, which still ekes out a marginal life along the northern shore of the Arctic oceans.

Polar bears roam the Arctic ice sheets and swim in that region's coastal waters. They are very strong swimmers, and their large front paws, which they use to paddle, are slightly webbed.

From cubs and habitat to status and threats, learn about all things polar bears from the leading polar bear nonprofit.