Polar bears are the largest land predators. A full-grown male polar bear can weigh well over 1000 pounds (454 kg). Polar bears diet consists mainly of pinnipeds, which it hunts for in the arctic regions. Polar bears are excellent swimmers, and can spend days at sea; they have been spotted over 200 miles (320 km) from shore.
However, the polar bear is at risk due to climate change. Icebergs it depends on for rest and hunting are becoming more sparse during summer months, which adversely affects the polar bear’s ability to hunt and rest.
Many eco-tourism operations exist for polar bear watching. As with whale watching, people travel from across the globe for the chance to see these giant creatures in their natural habitat. Large vehicles capable of carrying many people take people on polar bear adventures while traversing snow and ice.
Like whales, and other threatened or endangered species, several organizations specialize in the study of polar bears and polar bear conservation, like Polar Bears International and Defenders of Wildlife.