About Bears

polar bear leaping from ice over water to other ice
Photo by: National Park Service

Habitat

Polar bears, also known as ice bears, thrive in the northern frozen climates. They spend most of their life on sea ice and this ice is crucial for their survival; it is the only place they can successfully hunt.

Early Life

Bears stay with their mother for the first few years of life to learn how to hunt and survive in the harsh wilderness.

mother polar bear walking along shore with two cubs behind her
Photo by: em_j_bishop
Photo by: em_j_bishop

Diet

Polar bears primarily eat seals, specifically ringed seals, and the large amount of blubber allows bears to build up enough fat stores to keep warm and survive long periods of time in between meals.

Behavior

Hunting seals and walking great lengths tire them out!

Photo by: em_j_bishop