Eisbär

Eisbär is the German term for the polar bear, Ursus maritimus, a large bear native to the Arctic region. It is the apex predator of its ecosystem and an obligate carnivore adapted to cold environments. The polar bear is closely related to the brown bear, sharing ancestry within the genus Ursus.

Physical description: Adult males typically reach 2.4–3 meters in length and weigh 350–700 kilograms; females are smaller, about 1.8–2.4 meters long and 150–300 kilograms. Its fur appears white but is translucent, while the skin underneath is black. A thick layer of blubber and dense underfur provide insulation, and large paws with sharp claws aid traction on ice and swimming.

Distribution and habitat: The polar bear has a circumpolar distribution across Arctic regions, including Canada, Greenland, Svalbard and Norway, Alaska, and Russia. It relies on sea ice to access its primary prey and may den on land or ice during the cub-rearing period.

Behavior and diet: Polar bears primarily hunt seals, using stealth near breathing holes or by stalking on ice. They are strong swimmers and can cover long distances in search of food. Their diet is mostly marine mammals and, occasionally, scavenged carcasses or other food sources.

Reproduction and life cycle: Mating occurs in spring, with delayed implantation; gestation averages about eight months. Litters typically consist of 1–2 cubs, though three cubs are possible. Cubs remain with their mother for about two to three years.

Conservation: The species is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Global populations are estimated at roughly 20,000–30,000 individuals, with regional trends varying. The primary threat is loss of sea ice due to climate change, which affects access to prey and denning. International treaties and national laws regulate hunting and protect habitats. Etymology: In German, Eisbär translates to “ice bear.”