Polar bears  28 February 2010 | Fact sheet  How big are polar
bears and how long do they live? How do they adapt to the Arctic
environment and why are there no polar bears in Antarctica?  1.
How big do polar bears get?  Polar bears are the largest living
carnivorous quadruped (animals with four legs).  Adult males
measure 240-260cm and usually weigh 400-600kg, although they can
weigh up to 800kg and maybe even more. They do not reach maximum
size until they are 8-14 years old. Adult females are about half
the size of males and reach adult size at an age of 5-6 years,
when most of them weigh 150-250kg.  2. How are polar bears
adapted to the cold environment of the Arctic, often with little
food availability?  Polar bears are marvellously adapted to
their Arctic surroundings. Their glossy 'guard' hairs and dense
under-fur, the thick layer of fat beneath their skin, and their
size protect them against the cold. The guard hairs shed water
easily, so that after a swim the polar bear can shake itself
like a dog to