Polar Bears

Recently, police shot a rare polar bear spotted in a remote Icelandic village after being deemed a threat to public safety.

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• The polar bear is the largest land carnivore in the world and is a powerful symbol of the strength and endurance of the Arctic.
• IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable 
• Scientific Name: Ursus maritimus
• Polar bears can swim six miles per hour, using their front paws to paddle and their hind legs as rudders.
• They have a thick layer of fat and a water-repellent coat that insulates them from cold air and water.
• Habitats: Arctic Ocean, sea ice, and adjacent coastal areas.
• Distribution: Canada, Greenland, Norway, Russia, and the United States (US). 
• Hunting Behaviour: Polar bears spend over 50% of their time hunting, primarily for ringed and bearded seals.