The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) vies with the brown bear (Ursus arctos) for the title of world’s largest terrestrial carnivore. An adult male can stretch 3 meters (10 feet) in length, stand over 1.5 meters (5 feet) at the shoulder, and weigh up to 800 kilograms (1,760 pounds). These residents of the high arctic depend on sea ice for their survival. Venturing out onto the ice, they hunt seals—their primary food source—by waiting next to holes where the seals surface to breathe. Global warming has reduced the extent of arctic sea ice by almost 20 percent in the past twenty years, resulting in a significant population decline for the bear. Recent studies by the US Geological Survey estimate that if sea ice loss continues as projected, two-thirds of the world’s polar bears—including the entire Alaska population—will be gone by 2050. Twenty assorted 5 x 7" full-color blank notecards (5 each of 4 styles) with white envelopes in a decorative box. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this product supports Sierra Club's efforts to preserve and protect the planet. ISBN: 978-0-7649-4572-4. SC1033$14.95 All of our pictures enlarge; click on any picture for a closer look. Text & images protected by copyright. Sign Up for Our Monthly E-mail Newsletter Private list, unsubscribe any time. Home | Customer Service Center | Ordering Information