|
Ursus Maritimus. The name "Ice Bear" is frequently given to this animal which spends its life in the Arctic regions amongst the ice and snow. It is usually white, so harmonising with the surroundings, which serves as a protection, making it somewhat difficult for the animal to be seen. It swims, dives and climbs with very great dexterity. Although bulky, it is light in the water and its strong broad feet form excellent paddles. It is a playful animal and has often been seen to lie on its back in the water, hold its hind legs with its forefeet and roll over and over. The polar Bear has a noiseless tread owing to its claws being shot and provided with abundant fur. It is not afraid of man, and when approaching a human being, or any animal of prey, it does so in a sly, zigzag manner so as to put its prey off the scent. When attacking man, unlike the brown Bear, it bits and does not hug, It displays very great affection for its young. |
