Which animal is commonly associated with being polar?

The association of the white bear, more commonly known as the polar bear, with polar regions stems from its natural habitat, which is predominantly found in the Arctic. Polar bears are adapted to thrive in cold environments, relying on sea ice as a platform for hunting seals, their primary prey. They have thick layers of fat and fur that insulate them against frigid temperatures, making them well-suited to life in polar regions.

Penguins, while closely linked to cold environments, predominantly inhabit the Southern Hemisphere, particularly in Antarctica, rather than Arctic regions. Seals and walruses are also marine mammals found in polar areas, but the polar bear is the most iconic animal directly associated with the icy landscapes of the North, known for its size and status as a top predator in the Arctic ecosystem.