Chuck Ripper (American, B. 1929) "Polar Bear" Signed lower left. Original Gouache painting on Illustration Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover of the United Nations Endangered Species Series F.s. 0,80 Polar Bear stamp issued March 13, 1997. A denizen of the Arctic, the polar bear is often found on icefloes where it blends in with the white background as it hunts for food. This large carnivore covers a wide range in its pursuit of seals and other prey. Following their southward migrations, the polar bear may travel as far south as the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Canada and the mouth of the Amur River in Russia. Agile on ice and a fast swimmer, the polar bear also feeds on fish, seaweed, grass, birds and caribou. An adult male may weigh as much as 1,600 pounds and stand over five feet tall at the shoulder. The polar bear is characterized by white fur, a small head and a long neck. The bottoms of the feet are protected by hair that insulates them from the cold and helps the animal move easily over ice. Though the polar bear is usually shy and cautious, it is extremely dangerous when confronted or attacked. During winter, bear cubs are born in dens of ice or snow. The young weigh about 2 pounds at birth and stay with the mother for 10 months to 2 years. Because of irresponsible hunting practices, the polar bear has become an endangered species. Sought for its trophy value, this arctic mammal is also hunted by Eskimos for its hide, tendons, fat and flesh. Since 1973, an international agreement has allowed hunting of polar bears only by local populations using traditional weapons. Image Size: 14.5 x 12.5 in. Overall Size: 17.75 x 15.75 in. Unframed. (B15614)