Curious Polar Bear

Although all bears are in the Order Carnivora, the polar bear best lives up to its carnivore classification, fattening primarily on seals.  At dusk, this bear curiously approaches an object lying on the tundra but loses interest when it turns out to be a photographer.  Many polar bears have been shot for their curiosity.

Photo: October 30, 1982.  Manitoba, Canada.

Curious Animal

Curious only to a point, this calm bear stopped 12 feet away, close enough to reveal its glistening fur.  Russian biologist Nikita Ovsyanikov spent hundreds of hours walking among polar bears carrying only a stick and reported no problem in over 500 meetings.

Photo: October 30, 1982.  Manitoba, Canada.

Big Yawn

Polar bears have dark skin and dark tongues, while black bears have light skin and pink tongues.   

Photo: October 30, 1982.  Manitoba, Canada.