The largest species of land carnivore is the polar bear (Ursus maritimus). Adult male polar bears can weigh between 900 to 1,600 pounds, with females being smaller. These bears are well adapted to their Arctic environment, with thick blubber and a dense fur coat to insulate against the cold. Polar bears primarily hunt seals, relying on their keen sense of smell to locate them from considerable distances. As apex predators, they play a critical role in their ecosystem, but they are currently threatened by climate change and the melting of sea ice, which impacts their hunting and habitat.