claim: many scientists were surprised when other researchers subsequently found that ringed and bearded seals ( the primary prey of polar bears ) north of the Bering Strait especially thrived with a longer open-water season, which is particularly conducive to fishing
evidence: The polar bear is the most carnivorous species of bear, and its diet primarily consists of ringed ( Pusa hispida ) and bearded ( Erignathus barbatus ) seals.