Beschreibung:

Ursus Maritimus Arctic Circle Polar Bears can be found in all of the polar regions of the entire northern hemisphere. Their preferred habitat is in the area where the northern seas meet the shoreline. Considered a marine mammal, hence the name Ursus maritimus meaning “sea bear", they spend as much time on the ice and water as they do on land. True carnivores, their primary prey is the seal—Polar Bears grow very large—with both males and females reaching sizes of 1100 to 1300 pounds. It is believed that they evolved approximately 200,000 years ago from brown Bear ancestors. As a possible adaptation for better heat retention the actual color of the Polar Bear’s skin is black. Covered with a heavy fur, the color of their coats varies from pure white to a yellow hue, as is the case with the present animal. The coat consists of two layers - an undercoat of fine white hair and an outer coat composed of long guard hairs. The individual guard hairs are hollow, giving the fur an actual translucent effect. The hollow hairs also help to make the Polar Bear more buoyant when swimming. There was a sharp decline in their numbers in the early part of the 20th Century due to severe over hunting. However in 1967, the five "Polar Bear" nations, Norway, Russia, Greenland, the United States and Canada, ratified a conservation treaty in order to save the bears. It is estimated that there are currently somewhere between 20,000 and 40,000 Polar Bears. Captured well before the 1950s and in a private family collection since, this magnificent polar bear skin, with its 3 inch long fur, has been prepared as a rug with an indigo blue felt backing added to provide durability. Showing evidence of some minor tears and losses. Measuring 106 inches head to back foot and 102 inches across the front legs.