Quick answer
Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) are listed in our guides as Vulnerable. That IUCN-style label describes global extinction risk and can differ from national lists — habitat loss and human pressure still decide local survival.
Key takeaway
Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) are listed in our guides as Vulnerable. That IUCN-style label describes global extinction risk and can differ from national lists — habitat loss and human pressure still decide local survival.
Polar Bear conservation status
Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) is recorded here as Vulnerable. Global categories summarise extinction risk; regional populations can be safer or worse than the headline label.
Threats facing polar bears
Habitat loss around Arctic sea ice and coasts, hunting or persecution, climate pressure, and conflict with people are common drivers. Exact ranking of threats varies by region.
Outlook for Polar Bear populations
Where monitoring exists, trends track protected-area quality and enforcement. Fragmented groups need corridors and genetic exchange to avoid local extinction.
What actually helps
Support verified conservation programmes, cut demand for illegal wildlife products, and protect habitat. Tourism helps only when operators follow ethical wildlife standards.
Marine mammals
Although they live and travel on land and ice, polar bears are classified as marine mammals because they depend on the ocean for food. They are powerful long-distance swimmers, capable of crossing many kilometers of open water.
Conservation
Polar bears are Vulnerable and have become a global symbol of climate change. As the Arctic warms and sea ice forms later and melts earlier, bears have less time to hunt seals, leading to poorer body condition and lower cub survival.
Sources
Polar Bear FAQs
Are polar bears endangered?
Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) are listed in our guides as Vulnerable. That IUCN-style label describes global extinction risk and can differ from national lists — habitat loss and human pressure still decide local survival.
What is the scientific name of the polar bear?
Ursus maritimus — used in research and conservation listings for polar bears.
What do polar bears eat?
Polar Bears eat mainly seals, with seasonal and regional variation in Arctic sea ice and coasts.
Where do polar bears live?
They are associated with Arctic sea ice and coasts. Local presence depends on food, cover, and human land use.
What is the conservation status of polar bears?
Listed in our guides as Vulnerable. Check the IUCN Red List and national assessments for the latest formal category.