Polar Bear

Polar Bear - photo by Gordon Court
Polar Bear
Ursus maritimus
NWT List of Species at Risk: 
Special Concern
NWT SARC Assessment: 
Special Concern
Federal Species at Risk Act list: 
Special Concern
COSEWIC Assessment: 
Special Concern
NWT General Status Rank: 
Sensitive
Description: 

Polar Bear fur appears white or off-white due to translucent hairs (sunlight partially goes through them). Polar Bears have no shoulder hump and they have shorter claws and a longer neck than Grizzly Bears.

Weight: Females, less than 350 kg (770 lb); Males, up to 800 kg (1750 lb).

Report Polar Bear sightings to WILDLIFEOBS@gov.nt.ca