About polar bears

Polar bears are the world's largest terrestrial carnivore, but their Latin name, Ursus maritimus - meaning 'sea bear', reflects the fact that they spend much of their lives around water.

They are excellent swimmers and can sustain a pace of 10 kph by using their front paws like oars while their hind legs are held flat like a rudder.

But their preferred habitat is on top of the ice that covers the arctic seas most of the year. That is where they hunt and mate.