Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are an incredible species that have adapted to living in one of the most unforgiving environments on the planet. They are fascinating animals and are an important part of the Arctic ecosystem.
Polar bears are one of the most recognizable symbols of the Arctic. These large mammals are perfectly adapted to the frozen tundra of the Arctic regions and have become an integral part of the local ecosystems.
What Are Polar Bears?
Polar bears are closely related to brown bears. In fact, polar bears were originally a subpopulation of brown bears that adapted to living in the Arctic environment.
Over the course of thousands of years, polar bears evolved different physical and behavioral traits that made them better suited for hunting and surviving in the harsh northern climate.
Some of these adaptations include a white coat for camouflage, wider and more padded paws for walking on ice and a more streamlined body shape for efficient swimming.
Polar bears have a more elongated face and body and a flexible neck, traits needed for swimming.
Female polar bears are called sows and males are called boars. The babies are cubs.
A “Pizzly” Polar bear and Grizzly bear hybrid lives at the Osnabrück Zoo in Germany. Photo credit: Corradox
Polar Bear and Brown Bear Hybrids
Despite these differences, polar bears and brown bears are still genetically very similar, and can even interbreed to produce hybrid offspring known as "pizzly" bears or "grolar" bears.
Brown bears such as the grizzly bear live predominantly on land but travel farther north in summer. Polar bears live predominantly on ice caps except during summer when the ice melts and they go towards land. Climate change is also contributing to these ranges changing.
In some areas where brown bears and polar bears may occasionally overlap territory such as on the Alexander Archipelago Islands in southeastern Alaska. A study by James Cahill et all found that between 5 percent and 10 percent of brown bears native to these islands had polar bear genes.
Overall, the relationship between polar bears and brown bears is a fascinating example of how species can change and adapt over time to survive in different environments.
Are Polar Bear Marine Mammals?
Yes, polar bears are considered marine mammals because they spend so much time out at sea floating on ice. They are the only marine mammals equally agile on land or in water.
They prefer the sea near land, often islands, because that is where a diversity of their prey lives. Animals such as seals and walrus that move between land and sea.
The Arctic Circle. Photo credit: CIA World Fact Book
Where do Polar Bears Live?
Typically they live between the 66th and 88th degrees north of the equator.
Their native territory includes five countries: Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Norway (Svalbard), Russia, and the United States (Alaska).
Canada has the highest population of polar bears with roughly 60 - 70 % of the 22-31,000 polar bears worldwide according to the World Wildlife Fund.
These five nations are the signatories of the International Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears, policies that cover cooperation on research and conservation efforts throughout the polar bear's range.
During the warmer months, polar bears are typically found on land or in areas where sea ice is stable. They will hunt for food on the ice floes and in the surrounding waters. As the sea ice begins to melt in the summer months, polar bears may move further inland to find food.
In the winter months, polar bears will typically move out onto the sea ice to hunt for food. They are able to swim long distances and can dive into the water to catch prey such as seals.
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Physical Characteristics
Polar bears are specially adapted to the cold and snowy environment of the Arctic.
They have a thick layer of fur that helps to keep them warm
They have a layer of blubber beneath their skin that acts as a form of insulation.
Polar bears are massive creatures with white fur that help them blend in with the snow and ice.
They have black skin underneath their fur to help them absorb the sun's warmth.
Their paws are large and flat, which helps them distribute their weight and provides better traction on the ice.
Polar bears also have sharp claws that they use for hunting and climbing.
Strongest bite force of any bear at 1,235 PSI, and a swipe force of 1,800 pounds
We will discuss these below.
Why Do Polar Bears Have White Fur?
Camouflage:
The primary reason for polar bears' white fur is camouflage. The pristine white fur blends perfectly with the snow and ice, making the bear nearly invisible to their prey.
As stealth predators, polar bears need to stalk their prey carefully. They often hunt seals by waiting patiently at a breathing hole and then grabbing when they surface.
Thermal Insulation:
Another reason for the polar bear's fur color is that it acts as insulation, keeping the bear warm in its sub-zero environment. The translucent hair of the bear's fur emits sunlight through the fur down to the black skin's surface.
It absorbs the heat and prevents it from scattering, thereby trapping it inside the fur. This feature helps the bears retain heat, keeping them warm even in the freezing Arctic.
Ultraviolet Protection:
The white fur also protects polar bears from the sun's ultraviolet rays. The harsh UV radiation can be harmful to the bear's skin and eyes. However, the fur's thick layer provides natural sunscreen to neutralize the harmful UV rays, protecting the bear from sunburn.
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Black Skin
Polar bears have black skin, which is a common misconception since they are covered in white fur. The primary reason for their black skin is to absorb more heat from the sun.
To survive in such harsh environmental conditions, they need a mechanism to retain body heat. The black skin of polar bears helps to absorb more heat from sunlight when it is available, which helps to keep them warm.
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What is blubber?
Blubber is a thick layer of fat underneath the skin of polar bears that plays a crucial role in keeping these large mammals warm in the frigid arctic waters. This specialized fat provides an efficient way to store energy and insulates the bears from the harsh and extremely cold conditions they face in their environment.
Polar bears have a thick layer of insulating blubber, which can be up to 4 inches or 11cm thick, depending on the bear's health and age. This layer of fat also helps polar bears float on the surface of the water and provides them with the buoyancy they need when swimming.
The blubber layer serves as a remarkable energy reserve, helping polar bears survive extended periods without food, which can be essential as they hunt for their food in the harsh and remote arctic terrain.
How Big Are Polar Bears?
Polar bears are one of nature's most impressive animals, and their large size reflects that fact. Adult male polar bears can weigh as much as 1500 pounds, while females are generally smaller, weighing in at around 600 to 800 pounds.
In terms of length, polar bears typically measure between 7 and 9 feet long from nose to tail, with males being slightly longer than females.
Polar bears are built for their icy environment, and their size plays an important role in helping them survive. Their thick fur keeps them warm in the harsh Arctic climate, while their large paws and claws help them navigate through the snow and ice.
Polar bear footprint
Are polar bears good swimmers?
Yes, polar bears are excellent swimmers. In fact, they are considered to be one of the best swimmers among all land animals. These mammals are powerful and can swim for long distances without getting tired.
They can swim an average of 6 miles per hour and can cover distances of up to 60 miles or 96 km without stopping. They have been spotted 200 miles from shore.
One of the reasons why polar bears are so good at swimming is that they have several adaptations that help them survive in their aquatic environments.
Their thick layer of blubber provides insulation and buoyancy, making it easier for them to stay afloat in icy waters. Additionally, their front paws are specially designed with large, sharp claws that help them to cut through ice, making swimming easier.
Polar bears rely heavily on swimming to hunt for their food, specifically seals that live on sea ice. They use their excellent swimming skills to approach their prey silently and then attack them with great force. While hunting seals they may dive under the water 15 feet or 4.6 meters.
Polar bears are excellent swimmers and look very graceful in the water.
Polar Bear Feet Adaptations
Polar bears are the largest land predators on Earth, but what makes them so well-suited to survive in their harsh Arctic environment? One important adaptation is their feet!
Polar bear feet have several unique features that help them navigate the challenging terrain and cold temperatures of the Arctic.
Large Paw Size & Surface Area
First, polar bear paws are incredibly large, measuring up to 12 inches in diameter. This large size gives them a greater surface area to distribute their weight, allowing them to walk on top of soft snow and ice without sinking in.
Additionally, the pads on the bottom of their feet are covered in small bumps called papillae that create friction and prevent slipping on slick ice.
Thick Fur & Reduced Heat Loss
Polar bears also have fur on the bottoms of their feet to insulate them from the cold ice and snow they walk on. This helps reduce heat loss through their feet, allowing them to conserve energy and stay warm even when temperatures drop as low as -40°F.
Webbed Toes
Finally, polar bears have webbed toes that allow them to swim efficiently through the cold Arctic waters. Their partially-webbed toes help them paddle through the water and their powerful hind legs propel them forward, allowing them to chase prey like seals.
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Can a Polar Bear Overheat?
Yes, ironically polar bears can overheat. Their bodies are designed for ultra-cold temperatures. So running and hunting can cause them to overexert themselves.
A polar bear’s normal body temperature is 98.6º just like ours! But it can rise quickly when the bear runs. One reason they don’t chase prey.
The rise in temperatures due to climate change, especially in the Arctic also causes a problem. It can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and even death. This is because polar bears are not well-equipped to handle higher temperatures.
They do not have sweat glands to help regulate their body temperature. Instead, they pant, and their blood vessels dilate to cool down their body. They will lay on their back and put their feet in the air to dispel heat.
Walrus are large intimidating prey albiet very slow on land. Large males may hunt walrus by trying to weed out a smaller or sick animal.
What Do Polar Bears Eat?
Polar bears are carnivorous and mainly feed on ringed and bearded seals, which they catch by hunting them on the sea ice. Unlike other bear species, they do not graze or eat berries except in extreme cases.
Their primary hunting tactic is patience. They wait at breathing holes for a seal to surface and then attack. They also prey on baby seals at nesting sights.
They occasionally hunt beluga and narwhales using the same tactic as hunting them at breathing holes.
They are also opportunistic and will eat whatever they can find, including fish and other marine mammals. Large males may hunt walruses even though an adult walrus outweighs them.
During the summer months, when the sea ice melts, polar bears may go for days or even weeks without eating.
Most land mammals in the Arctic can easily outrun the polar bear which does not pose a threat to them. However, they occasionally catch ungulates such as deer, caribou, or musk ox. These would typically be older or sick animals who can’t move as fast.
How much food can a polar bear eat at once?
Polar bears are known to have huge appetites and can consume a whopping 88 pounds of food in one sitting! These massive predators typically eat a diet that consists of seal meat, blubber, and fish.
Their diet is high in fat, which provides them with the energy they need to survive their harsh Arctic environment.
Polar bears don't eat every day, and instead, they tend to gorge on food when they do eat. When they catch a seal, they can eat up to 40 pounds of fat and meat in one meal, which is the equivalent of a human consuming around 60 hamburgers!
Do Polar Bears Hunt Humans?
No, polar bears do not see humans as a food source. In fact, polar bear attacks are extremely rare with only one to three incidents happening each year worldwide.
These encounters are typically healthy bears who investigate something they are unfamiliar with or grabs their attention. Not sick or starving bears as we would assume.
“Attack circumstances are often related to the way people are camping or to people predisposing themselves to a problem. And with more polar bears driven ashore as the sea ice melts, the chances for encounters increase.” States Dr. Tom Smith of Polar Bears International
That said, polar bears are Apex predators and are often unaccustomed to humans in their territory. They are fearless and unpredictable.
Does the Polar Bear have Predators?
The polar bear is one of the apex predators of the Arctic ecosystem, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have any natural predators. While adult polar bears have few predators, their cubs are vulnerable to other carnivores. Wolves may hunt young cubs.
One of the primary predators of polar bear cubs is adult male polar bears. Male polar bears have been known to kill and eat cubs, especially if they are not the father of the cubs. This behavior is believed to be a way of eliminating potential competition for mating opportunities.
The biggest threat to polar bears comes from human activities such as trophy hunting and habitat destruction.
Polar bear sow with cubs
Reproduction
Courtship
April and May are breeding months. Females typically begin breeding at age 4 and males not until 8 years old. As females only give birth every two or three years their reproductive rate is quite low.
Polar bears are not territorial and often congregate in areas where seals do in the spring. This brings males and females together.
Polar bears are polygenous but males will fight over the right to mate a certain female. Recent studies have shown that cubs in the same liter may have different fathers.
While the egg gets fertilized during mating the female’s body holds that blastocyst in a suspended state.
She then eats as much as she can in order to store fat. She needs to can about 400 pounds to make it through Denning.
Denning
In late fall she digs a maternity den. This is not just a carved-out section of snow but a more elaborate den below a snowbank and even entering the permafrost.
The maternity den consists of up to three chambers and are built several miles from the sea. The female then enters a period of rest where her body metabolism slows.
This is not hibernation as she is not in continual sleep nor does her body temperature drop.
Polar bears are protective and affectionate mothers.
How Big Are Polar Bears at Birth?
About the size of a guinea pig. Born between November and February, they are born hairless, blind, and deaf and have little coordination. Eyes and ears open at about one month and at two months they are growing thick fur and teeth.
Polar bear cubs are born quite small relative to their fully-grown adult size. At birth, they typically weigh less than 2 lbs or .9 kg. They are also incredibly tiny, usually around 12 to 14 inches in length.
The family remains in the den till April or May. By this time the cubs weigh 20-30 pounds. By the time they reach one-year-old, polar bear cubs can weigh up to 100 pounds or more!
Cubs stay with mom for about 2 years before she chases them off and goes and breeds again. Mothers are affectionate and very protective of cubs.
Social Life
Adult polar bears are solitary animals. Males and females stay together for around a week during mating season.
Females spend more time in a group since they have long-term relationships with their cubs. Cubs will often stay with each other after weaning and before they reach sexual maturity.
Polar bears tend to come together when prey congregates in an area. This may correspond with breeding season for seals or a decaying body washed up on shore.
At times when a large whale has washed up on the beach scientists have observed 20 bears feeding together.
As more studies of polar bears get funding, sub-adult males have been observed traveling as a pair and playing and hunting together.
Conservation Status
Polar bears are classified as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations are declining due to the loss of sea ice caused by climate change, which in turn affects their ability to hunt and reproduce.
Polar bears have become a symbol of the impacts of climate change on wildlife, and many conservation organizations are working to protect and conserve their populations.
Polar bears are one of the most fascinating and iconic animals in the world. They are a symbol of the beauty and fragility of the Arctic ecosystems, and their survival is essential for the health of these ecosystems.
The Biggest Threats to Polar Bears
As climate change accelerates, the polar bear's Arctic home is changing rapidly, and the lives of these formidable creatures are threatened. Here are some of the biggest threats to polar bears:
1. Melting Sea Ice
The primary habitat of polar bears is the Arctic Sea ice. Climate change-driven temperatures alter the quantity and quality of the ice in the Arctic, and as the ice melts and disappears, polar bears lose access to food and have to swim longer distances to find it.
The chances of a polar bear swimming for an extended time in open water due to the melting of sea ice are higher, and as such, the risk of drowning is more significant.
2. Pollution
Pollution in the Arctic is another significant threat to polar bears. Due to the polar food web, the toxins present in the prey are passed on to the polar bears that eat them.
Toxic substances from industrial plants and long-range transport of pollutants from communities in the south accumulate in the fatty tissues of polar bears, leading to reproductive and other health issues.
Oil Rig in Arctic.
3. Overhunting and Poaching
Human impact on the polar bear population is another significant threat. Historically, polar bears were hunted for their fur and meat.
Today, hunting is well-regulated, but illegal poaching still occurs. The overhunting of seals, the primary food of polar bears, further threatens their survival.
Polar bears who go into communities whether out of curiosity or looking for food are shot versus relocated (something we often do with the smaller black bear).
4. Competition
Warmer weather has led to brown bears moving further north in summer thus competing with the polar bear for food.
Competition between brown bears and polar bears has increased due to climate change and the movement of the bears seeking food sources.
What happens if polar bears go extinct?
Polar bears are one of the most iconic and recognizable creatures on the planet, but their numbers are rapidly declining. Climate change and habitat loss threaten the survival of this magnificent animal, and if polar bears go extinct, the consequences would be severe.
Impact on the Ecosystem
Polar bears are very important to the environment. They are the top predator in the Arctic food chain and play a critical role in the regulation of their ecosystem. Their diet consists mainly of seals, and they help to control their populations, preventing them from overgrazing on fish and other marine life.
Without polar bears, the seal population would explode, leading to a rapid decline in the number of fish and other aquatic life. This, in turn, would have a cascading effect on the entire Arctic ecosystem.
Economic Consequences
In addition, a smaller fish population due to a greater seal population would be devastating to local fisheries and the economy of many small arctic communities.
Polar bears are also a significant economic driver for Arctic communities. Tourism, hunting, and scientific research all depend on the continued existence of this species.
The loss of polar bears would make it harder for these communities to survive and would have severe implications for the global economy.
Cultural Significance
Polar bears are an integral part of the culture and traditions of indigenous communities in the Arctic. They play a symbolic role in many cultural events and are an essential part of the spiritual and social fabric of these societies.
The extinction of polar bears would be a devastating blow to these communities and could lead to the loss of traditional knowledge and practices. Indigenous communities need to have a voice in polar bear conservation.
Inuit mother and daughter on Baffin Island, Canada. Photo by Ryerson Clark. Indigenous people must have a voice in polar bear conservation.
The Urgent Need to Save Polar Bears
Polar bears are one of the world's most iconic and beloved animals, but their future is in peril. The effects of climate change are warming the Arctic at an alarming rate, causing the sea ice that polar bears depend on to hunt and survive to melt away. With the loss of their habitat and food sources, polar bears are facing a dire situation that requires our immediate attention.
Polar bears are a keystone species in the Arctic ecosystem, and their health and survival are crucial to maintaining the balance of this delicate ecosystem. Without polar bears, the entire food chain of the Arctic, including fish, birds, and other mammals, would be disrupted, leading to a cascading effect throughout the region.
In addition to the ecological importance of polar bears, they have cultural significance for many indigenous communities in the Arctic. For thousands of years, these communities have depended on polar bears for food, clothing, and other vital resources. The loss of polar bears would be a devastating blow to these communities, many of which are already facing social, economic, and political challenges.
It is our responsibility to take action to protect these magnificent animals and their habitat. We can all make small changes in our everyday lives to reduce our carbon footprint and help slow the effects of climate change. We can also support policies and organizations that are working to protect the Arctic and its inhabitants, including polar bears.
Saving polar bears is not just an environmental issue; it's a moral imperative. We owe it to future generations to ensure that these incredible animals continue to thrive in the Arctic. Let's take action now and work together to protect the polar bears and the fragile ecosystem they call home.
Author, Ame Vanorio, is the founder and director of Fox Run EEC. She is an environmental educator and avid gardener. Find her books on the MY BOOKS page.
Coyotes are social, intelligent, and cunning animals. Coyotes are so smart, that Native Americans considered them an important part of their cosmology. Tribes of the southwest refer to them as God’s dogs.
They are about the size of a small dog and average about 30 pounds. Coyotes share their looks and tracks with wolves in physical appearance, but they are a bit smaller in size.
Coyotes are members of the Canidae family which also includes wolves, dogs, and foxes.