Polariga

Polariga is a genus of small to medium-sized, semi-aquatic mammals native to the Americas. The genus includes two species: the polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus). Polar bears are the largest land carnivores and are well-adapted to an Arctic environment, with a thick coat of fur and a layer of blubber for insulation. Spectacled bears, on the other hand, are found in the Andes mountains and are known for their distinctive white "spectacles" around their eyes. Both species are listed as vulnerable or near threatened due to habitat loss and climate change. Polariga is a member of the family Ursidae, which also includes the American black bear and the Asian black bear. The genus name "Polariga" is derived from the Latin words "polaris" meaning "of the pole" and "ursus" meaning "bear," reflecting the polar bear's Arctic habitat.