That s because, no matter where you live, oceans are closer than you think . The polar bear is known in Latin as Ursus maritimus , or the bear of the sea. The species has cavities on the soles of its feet that serve as suction cups to keep it from slipping on ice. Polar bears can run up to 40 kilometres per hour. They are strong swimmers and can travel long distances in icy water.
Newborn cubs are no larger than guinea pigs.
When hunting for seals, a polar bear will sometimes cover its black nose with its paw so seals cannot see it against the snow. The species has an excellent sense of smell and can sniff out food many kilometres away. The hair on a polar bear s coat is waterproof. All the Earth s oceans and seas are actually one huge body of water. Humans throw about 5.4 million tonnes of litter into the ocean every year.