Marine Mammals: Polar bears are classified as marine mammals because they spend most of their life on sea ice, hunting in the Arctic Ocean.
Super Swimmers: They can swim for hours and cover over 60 miles (100 km) in a single swim — using their large front paws as paddles.
Seal Hunters: Their primary prey is ringed and bearded seals, which they catch using a technique called still-hunting by waiting at breathing holes.
Blubber and Fur for Warmth: They have 10 cm (4 inches) of blubber and dense fur that provides insulation against freezing temperatures.
Black Skin, White Coat: Under their white fur, polar bears have black skin to absorb heat from the sun.
Incredible Sense of Smell: They can smell a seal nearly a mile away or under several feet of compact snow and ice.
Solitary Creatures: Aside from mating and cub-rearing, polar bears are generally solitary, covering huge ranges in search of food.
Threatened by Climate Change: Melting sea ice threatens their habitat and food sources. The IUCN lists them as “Vulnerable”, with populations declining in some regions.
Not True Hibernators: Only pregnant females den in winter; other bears remain active year-round, though they may rest during lean months.
Cubs Learn by Watching: Young bears learn crucial survival skills — like how to stalk seals and navigate thin ice — by observing their mothers.
