<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> <P> Ursus eogroenlandicus Ursus groenlandicus Ursus jenaensis Ursus labradorensis Ursus marinus Ursus polaris Ursus spitzbergensis Ursus ungavensis Thalarctos maritimus </P> </Td> </Tr> <P> Ursus eogroenlandicus Ursus groenlandicus Ursus jenaensis Ursus labradorensis Ursus marinus Ursus polaris Ursus spitzbergensis Ursus ungavensis Thalarctos maritimus </P> <P> The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a carnivorous bear whose native range lies largely within the Arctic Circle, encompassing the Arctic Ocean, its surrounding seas and surrounding land masses . It is a large bear, approximately the same size as the omnivorous Kodiak bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi). A boar (adult male) weighs around 350--700 kg (772--1,543 lb), while a sow (adult female) is about half that size . Although it is the sister species of the brown bear, it has evolved to occupy a narrower ecological niche, with many body characteristics adapted for cold temperatures, for moving across snow, ice and open water, and for hunting seals, which make up most of its diet . Although most polar bears are born on land, they spend most of their time on the sea ice . Their scientific name means "maritime bear" and derives from this fact . Polar bears hunt their preferred food of seals from the edge of sea ice, often living off fat reserves when no sea ice is present . Because of their dependence on the sea ice, polar bears are classified as marine mammals . </P> <P> Because of expected habitat loss caused by climate change, the polar bear is classified as a vulnerable species, and at least three of the nineteen polar bear subpopulations are currently in decline . However, at least two of the nineteen subpopulations are currently increasing, while another six are considered stable . For decades, large - scale hunting raised international concern for the future of the species, but populations rebounded after controls and quotas began to take effect . For thousands of years, the polar bear has been a key figure in the material, spiritual, and cultural life of circumpolar peoples, and polar bears remain important in their cultures . Historically, the polar bear has also been known as the white bear . </P>

Where do polar bears live and what do they eat