An impressive polar bear looking over the Arctic sea. It seems that he is on the hunt for food. As they always are! That massive polar bear is standing more on the left in the photograph while looking towards the right-hand side. Undoubtedly there is an excellent contrast between the white look of the polar bear comparing to the dark rocks behind it.
Polar Bears – Brown Bears
How did polar bears evolve exactly? Well, according to current research, polar bears evolved from brown bears that ventured onto the frozen ocean. Their goal was to hunt after marine mammals during the great final period of glaciation. Through natural selection, the palest bears with the most fat would have had the highest chance of survival. Therefore, they would reproduce.
In coastal Arctic Alaska, grizzly bears have gorged on whale carcasses. Indeed sometimes in the company of polar bears. Interbreeding was documented as well.
Polar bears, Ursus maritimus were, are listed as a threatened species on the IUCN list. Due to the ongoing depletion of sea ice caused by global warming. Polar bears depend on sea ice for hunting food. It makes it easier for them to catch their prey. The warmer the earth gets, the more sea ice melts. Therefore, the smaller the hunting potential is for the polar bears.
Explore more photographs similar to Polar Bear Looking Over The Arctic Sea, have a look at our exquisite polar bear photographs. Or discover our beautiful Arctic landscape photographs.
Stefan S. –
What a beautiful photo of the Polar bear. It looks awesome.
Anette Mossbacher –
Thanks so much, Stefan.
Ciao Anette