Facts about Polar Bear
Caleb Ryan
| 17-05-2024
· Animal Team
Just as penguins symbolize Antarctica, polar bears epitomize the Arctic. As one of the most iconic creatures of the far north, polar bears rank high on Lykkers' must-see list, even though sightings cannot be guaranteed.
While encountering a polar bear in the wild is undoubtedly thrilling, these fascinating apex predators possess more depth than commonly known. Below, we share 10 intriguing facts about the polar bear.
1. Polar bear fur may not be truly white
A lesser-known fact about polar bears is that their fur is transparent, revealing black skin underneath, akin to their noses. So, why do they appear white? The explanation lies in their fur's two layers: the inner layer is dense and short, while the outer layer consists of longer strands, reaching up to 15 cm (six inches) in length.
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These longer strands, resembling hollow needles, contain air for insulation and warmth, along with light-scattering particles that move within. When sunlight enters the hollow space of the longer hairs, it interacts with these shifting particles, scattering light similar to a prism and creating the illusion of whiteness.
2. Polar bears claim the title of the largest bears on Earth
These colossal creatures, particularly the males, can stand at towering heights of approximately three meters (10 feet) when they stand upright on their hind legs, a remarkable sight by any measure. Additionally, they can tip the scales at up to 545 kg (1,200 pounds), equivalent to the weight of about seven human adults.
3. Reindeer can see polar bears better than we can
While we perceive polar bears as white due to the prismatic effect of their fur, other animals may not share this view. Reindeer, for instance, have the ability to see in the ultraviolet range. This means that polar bears struggle to camouflage themselves in the snow from reindeer, providing an advantage for creatures like Donner and Blitzen. However, for the rest of us, it serves as a reminder to exercise caution in polar bear territory.
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4. Polar bears can fast for months
Polar bears possess an extraordinary ability to endure prolonged periods without food. When faced with challenges in locating their next meal, such as during late summer and early autumn when seal hunting becomes arduous due to diminishing sea ice, polar bears can regulate their metabolism.
This physiological response to food scarcity allows them to rely on stored fat reserves for sustenance for several months, a feat that distinguishes them from brown and black bears.
5. Hibernation is not part of the polar bear routine
Hibernation isn't a characteristic of the polar bear lifestyle. While they possess a vestigial hibernation trigger in their blood, polar bears remain active throughout the year. The only semblance of hibernation occurs with pregnant females, who construct dens for birthing purposes. These remarkably patient mother polar bears can endure up to three months without drinking, eating, or defecating.
6. Polar bears often travel far for their meals
As mentioned earlier, they can endure extended periods between meals. However, they also traverse great distances, often across water bodies. It's not uncommon to spot a polar bear over 50 km (30 miles) away from land or sea ice. In fact, the record swim for a polar bear exceeds 700 km (435 miles), during which the bear spent nearly 10 consecutive days in the water!
7. Keen smelling is a polar bear talent
They can detect seals and other animals from distances of up to 9 km (5.6 miles) away. Remarkably, they can even sense the breathing holes that seals create in the ice from nearly one km (6 miles) away. Despite their hunting territories spanning several hundred miles, their acute sense of smell ensures they remain well-fed.
8. Polar bears are often sleepy
Polar bears are frequently found in a sleepy state, a fact that may seem obvious yet remains intriguing. Their quest for food often leaves them feeling drowsy. It's common for polar bears to spend as much as 20 hours per day simply lounging in the snow, indulging in some much-needed rest. Indeed, this is a frequent sight during our Arctic voyages.
9. Non-skid feet are a polar bear perk
Polar bears enjoy a unique advantage with their non-skid feet. In the slippery terrain of the Arctic ice, securing a meal can be challenging. To aid in their pursuit, polar bears, along with some other Arctic animals, have evolved short, bristly fur on the pads of their feet. This specialized fur acts like a non-skid sock on a marble floor, providing traction on the ice surface and muffling the sound of the polar bear's movements.
10. Polar bears relish their own Arctic expeditions
Spending significant portions of their time alone and traversing the sea, they hunt amidst the expansive pack ice.
After reading this article, do you think polar bears are very magical? Have you known these interesting facts before?