In fact, polar bear milk is the richest milk in the bear family. Cubs remain with their mothers for two and a half years. During this time they are taught how to hunt. Polar bears acquire this disease by ingesting infected fish and seals, which commonly harbor the parasite. Humans often get roundworm from eating poorly cooked bear meat and fish, which they commonly do in the arctic.
External parasites are practically nonexistent, due to the cold temperature.
Unlike most other bear species, the polar bear is pretty much left alone. Those that live somewhat south of the arctic circle or near human settlements are sometimes hunted for food. In areas where they are threatened, action has been taken to insure that they are not depleted. There are no subspecies of polar bear. Ward, Paul and Suzanne Kynaston.