Polar bears are the largest of the bear species and the only one evolutionarily adapted to the arctic sea-ice and marine habitat. The polar bears suffer the most owing to climate change. The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is a bear native largely within the Arctic circle encompassing the Arctic Ocean. The polar bear is classified as a vulnerable species, with 5 of the 19 polar bear subpopulations in decline. The polar bear has been a key figure in the material, spiritual, and cultural life of Arctic indigenous peoples.
