Where does the polar bear get its name?

Answer 1

The Polar Bear was described by Constantine John Phipps as a species, using the Latin for "maritime bear" because of the animal's habitat. This is the scientific name for the Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus). The Inuit people refer to the Polar Bear as Nanook, or Nanuk. This means an "animal worthy of great respect." The "native peoples" generally considered the Polar Bear to be wise, "almost a man". Some believed the bear so powerful, that special rituals were observed when they were hunted, and after killing one. Legends are still told to this day and the Polar Bear is still called "the great lonely roamer" or as their poetry shows, "Pihpqahiak; the ever-wandering one." with much respect by the Inuit. For more details, please see sites listed below.