Polar Bear Life Cycle

Polar Bear Life Cycle

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is the largest carnivorous land mammal and a powerful symbol of the Arctic wilderness. Known for its thick white coat, excellent swimming skills, and solitary lifestyle, the polar bear has a unique life cycle adapted to some of the harshest environments on Earth.

🧬 Life Cycle of a Polar Bear

1. Birth (Cubs)

• Time: Usually born between November and January
  
• Place: Inside snow dens dug by the mother on land or ice
  
• Litter Size: Typically 1 to 2 cubs, occasionally 3
  
• Weight at Birth: Around 1 pound (0.5 kg) – blind, toothless, and completely dependent on the mother
  
• Cubs nurse for several months inside the den, feeding on high-fat milk.
  

2. Emergence from Den

• Time: Around March or April
  
• Cubs emerge from the den, and the mother leads them to sea ice to begin hunting.
  
• Cubs begin eating solid food (mainly seal meat) while still nursing.
  

3. Juvenile Stage

• Cubs stay with their mother for about 2 to 2.5 years, learning how to hunt, swim, and survive in the Arctic.
  
• During this time, the mother doesn’t usually breed again.
  

4. Independence

• Around age 2 to 3, cubs become independent and begin their solitary life.
  
• Juvenile bears have high mortality rates due to inexperience and competition.
  

5. Adulthood

• Polar bears reach sexual maturity at about:
  
  • Females: 4 to 5 years old
    
  • Males: 6 to 10 years old
    
• Mating season is from April to June.
  
• Males compete for access to females during this time.
  

6. Lifespan

• In the wild: Around 15–25 years, though many don’t survive beyond 18.
  

In captivity: Can live over 30 years.