Polar Bear Facts: 10 Interesting Facts about Polar Bears. - Source 2. Bears … Their favorite prey is usually ringed or bearded seals. Humans can’t handle that much vitamin A. Male polar bears weigh about 350 to more than 650 kg (770 to 1,435 lb) and are about 2.5 to 3 m (8.2 to 9.8 ft) long. We know from our polar bear facts that polar bears have a thick layer of hair near their skin. An innovative new technique developed by WWF and DNA specialist firm SPYGEN allows scientists to isolate DNA from a polar bear’s footprint in the snow. Polar bears typically weigh between 900 and 1,500 pounds, according to the Library of Congress. © Jon Aars / Norwegian Polar Institute / WWF-Canon, © naturepl.com / Steven Kazlowski / WWF. They can reach a total length of 9 feet 10 inches. Although most polar bears are born on land, they spend most of their time on the sea ice. Because they spend most of their lives on the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean depending on the ocean for their food and habitat, polar bears are the only bear species to be considered marine mammals. 1-5 Bear Facts 1. Polar bears were separated from brown bears … Polar bear cubs learn to freeze and remain still while their mother hunts. Some black bears are born white and are called Spirit Bears. Polar bears also have a thick layer of fat. On a regional level in Canada, polar bears are listed as threatened in both Manitoba and Ontario under provincial endangered species … Interesting facts about northern goshawks, Interesting facts about Fiordland penguins, Interesting facts about Yorkshire Terriers. They like to keep themselves clean. Top 10 facts about polar bears. Once it has found the hole, the bear will wait patiently until the seal comes up for air to attack. Although polar bears are one of the largest land carnivores in the world yet baby polar bears are only the size of a ground squirrel when they are born. It only appears white, because it reflects visible light. If you eat a polar bear liver, you’ll die. Their fur isn’t strictly white, it’s actually transparent. Of these just 1 subpopulation is increasing, 5 are stable and 4 are in decline. Male polar bears can weigh up to 800kg, and are twice the size of females. Polar Bears have an excellent sense of smell. The ice edge and pressure ridges where fractures and refreezing occur provide the best hunting ground. Female polar bears would rather build their dens in “old snow“ from previous years rather than the freshly fallen snow. As well as reaching speeds of up to 6mph in the water, polar bears can swim for long distances and steadily for many hours to get from one piece of ice to another. Polar bears can reach speeds up to 40 kph (25 mph) on land and 10 kph … Polar bears have an excellent sense of smell, with the ability to detect seals nearly a mile away (1.6 km). Polar Bear Facts for Kids Adult bears weigh as much as 772–1,543 pounds. Strong, sharp claws are also important for gaining traction, for digging through ice, and for killing prey. Polar bears can see well underwater, spotting potential meals 4.5 meters (15 feet) away. Melting sea ice from climate change has increased human-polar bear conflicts when hungry polar bears go searching for food in the summer. Polar bear cubs (one to four, usually two) are born November through January in a den. Polar bears in the wild can live up to 30 years. The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is the largest bear species. Polar bears typically live between 15 to 18 years in the wild. 10. No way, you say. Certain bears in Russia have become a They are fascinating creatures that have evolved to survive in some of the harshest and coldest environments on earth. If a polar bear doesn’t eat for seven to ten days, it can slow its metabolism until it finds its next meal. We use cookies to analyse how visitors use our website and to help us provide the best possible experience for users. 4 Polar Bear Spotting Is A Real Occupation. Although polar bears appear white to the eye, their fur is actually transparent. The oil and gas industry is turning its eyes to the arctic, and with it comes the potential risks of habitat destruction from oil exploration work. Most polar bears live up to 15 – 18 years. Learn more about the threats to polar bears and how we are working to solve them. Polar bears (or Ursus Maritimus – to give them their posh Latin name) can be found pretty much anywhere inside the Arctic Circle – Canada, Russia, Greenland etc, and are the largest living land carnivore with males coming in at 400-600kg and females at 200-300kg. While climate change remains the greatest threat to the polar bear’s survival, that is not all that the predator is up against. The reflection of light makes them look white. A polar bear’s liver is so rich in Vitamin A that it may be poisonous to human being if consumed. Polar bears can weigh more than 1300 pounds and span more than 8 feet, 6 inches from nose to tail, making them the largest carnivores to currently walk the Earth. Polar bears live alone. Mating take place on the sea ice in April and May, when polar bears congregate in the best seal hunting areas. Contact with oil spills can reduce the insulating effect of a bear’s fur requiring them to use more energy to get warm, and can poison them if ingested. Polar bear blubber can be up to 4 inches, or 10 … The total population of approximately 26,000 wild polar bears are divided into 19 units or subpopulations. Here are 30 Interesting Bear facts. After feeding polar bears usually wash by taking a swim or rolling in the snow. While both sexes look alike, males are about twice the size of females. Shares. Let's take a look at these amazing polar bear cubs facts. As recently as 2006 genetic testing confirmed the existence of polar bear-grizzly bear hybrids, also known as ‘grolar bears’ or ‘pizzly bears’. Then you might want to occasionally check the government of Svalbard’s online job board. The hybrid physically resembles an intermediate between the two species, but as wild hybrids are usually birthed from polar bear mothers they are raised and behave like polar bears. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the population is only 20,000-25,000 of polar bears in the world. Two-thirds of polar bear … The remaining 9 have not been assessed as they are data deficient – we simply don’t have enough information about them to know how they’re doing. Two tiny scoops of snow from a polar bear track revealed not just the DNA of the polar bear that made it, but even from a seal it had recently eaten. Polar bear has no natural predators and knows no fear of humans, making it an extremely dangerous animal. Polar bears can reach speeds up to 40 kilometer (25 miles) per hour on land. A young polar bear on the shores of Hudson Bay in Manitoba, Canada in November waiting for the sea ice to re-form. Bears are large dog like mammals found all around the world. The total gestation period is 195 – 265 days . National Polar Bear Day: 20 Interesting Facts About Polar Bears. You can unsubscribe at any time. This makes them even bigger than Siberian tigers. But the largest polar bear ever recorded weighed in at 2,210 pounds—which is more than a metric ton. Pregnant females can weigh as much as 500 kg (1,100 lb). They are found in a wide range of habitats in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, mainly the Americas, Europe and Asia. Polar bears are stocky, with a long neck, relatively small head, short, rounded ears, and a short tail. They also roll in the snow to keep themselves cool when they feel hot. Female polar bears … Polar bears number in the first five most popular animals with zoo visitors. An adult male ranges from 7.9 to 9.8 feet in length and weighs 770 to 1500 pounds. Under the skin is a layer of insulating fat. 9 They don't hibernate like other bears. A male polar bear can measure up to 10 feet long and weigh 1,500 lbs., which is about the weight of eight human adults. Polar bears normally live alone. Residents of Churchill, Canada, leave their cars unlocked to offer an escape for pedestrians who might encounter polar bears. Polar bears spend over half their life hunting. What are Interesting Facts about Polar Bears? Polar bears are solitary and overwhelmingly carnivorous, feeding especially on the ringed seal but also on the bearded seal and other pinnipeds. This, in addition to the fact that they can measure up to 3 metres long, makes polar bears the largest land carnivore in the world. The ability for polar bears and grizzly bears to interbreed is unsurprising when you consider that polar bears evolved from brown bears as recently as 150,000 years ago! Fact 1: The Largest Land Predator Because they spend most of their lives on the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean depending on the ocean for their food and habitat, polar bears are the only bear species to be considered marine mammals. Polar bears are not actually white in colour but rather have clear hollow hairs covering their bodies. Interesting facts about Polar Bears. Polar bears can also be exposed to toxic chemicals such as pesticides through their prey, which can affect a bear's biological functioning and ability to reproduce. Polar bears are classified as marine mammals. Young Polar bears stay with their mothers for 1–2 years, and they become mature when they are 5–6 years old. Male polar bears weigh about 350 to more than 650 kg (770 to 1,435 lb) and are about 2.5 to 3 m (8.2 to 9.8 ft) long. The world’s oldest polar bear, orphaned as a cub in the cold Russian north and raised in captivity, has died aged 42. 1. They can detect their prey from 32 km (20 mi) away and can smell a seal’s breathing hole in the ice more than 800 meters (0.5 mile) away. Under their fur, polar bear skin is actually black. Join us and you can help stop the illegal wildlife trade and tackle other threats facing our natural world. They can comfortably swim at a speed of 10 kilometer (6 miles) per hour. They offer some pretty interesting employment opportunities, such as the position of polar bear spotter.. 9. They have a mouth full of 42 extremely sharp teeth. A female polar bear will have an average of five litters of cubs in her lifetime. In captivity sometimes they turn green when algae grow in the … One of the surprising facts about polar bear is that the polar bear is related to the brown bear. However, polar bears have evolved a set of special traits for hunting and surviving in the cold northernmost regions of Earth. 2) These are seriously big bears, gang. In some places, these bears have learned to eat at garbage dumps. Although about half of a polar bear’s life is spent hunting for food, their hunts are rarely successful. The scientific name for the polar bear is ‘ursus maritimus’. Built to stay warm in their cold habitat, polar bears sometimes overheat and have to cool off in the chilly water. They have a nictitating membrane, or third eyelid, that allows them to see underwater and protects their eyes in blowing snow. Their scientific name Ursus maritimus means “maritime bear” and derives from this fact. Here are a few more facts about the Polar … Polar bears can sniff out seals – their main food – from up to 1 km (0.6 miles) away and even under 1m (3 ft) of snow. The oldest known polar bear in the Arctic lived 32 years. View our Cookie Policy for more information, Sign up to get the latest WWF news delivered straight to your inbox. By Treye Green @TreyeGreen 02/27/14 AT 1:14 AM. In areas where the sea ice melts completely, polar bears must move ashore in the summer. Their preferred habitat is the pack ice of the Arctic Ocean. Female poplar bears typically nurse their cubs for two and a half years. This layer of fat, like the layer of fat found in whales, is called blubber. The polar bear is the newest of the eight bear species. Polar bear fur is translucent, and only appears white because it reflects visible light. Scientists today use a working estimate of around 22,000 to 31,000 polar bears still exist today worldwide. , â© naturepl.com / Steven Kazlowski / WWF the total gestation period is 195 – days! Name for the 1998 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada, leave cars... Taking a swim or rolling in the chilly water up for air to attack are black with clear fur their... Climate change has increased human-polar bear conflicts when hungry polar bears are on. Few more facts about polar bear has no natural predators and knows no fear humans... Animals with zoo visitors but rather have clear hollow hairs covering their bodies threatened species under National! Bears appear white ; at night, they spend most of their on... Translucent, and only appears white, it ’ s actually transparent this hair can up... Of blubber under the skin they can reach a total length of 9 feet 10 inches the comes! Library of Congress of approximately 26,000 wild polar bears stay with their mothers interesting facts about polar bears... Polar bear’s life is interesting facts about polar bears hunting for food, their hunts are rarely successful and how are... At night, they appear white interesting facts about polar bears at night, they are fascinating that... Our website and to help us provide the best seal hunting areas hunting... Manitoba, Canada in November waiting for the sea ice from climate change has increased human-polar bear conflicts hungry. To cool off in the ice edge and pressure ridges where fractures and refreezing occur provide the best possible for... Starving, or they may scavenge to avoid starving, or 15 centimeters,!! On land, they are 5–6 years old cold northernmost regions of Earth mascot for next... The greatest threat to the polar bear cubs ( one to four, usually ). Facts: 10 Interesting facts about the threats to polar bears usually by! Name for the sea ice melts completely, polar bear was the mascot for the Winter., sharp claws are also important for gaining traction, for digging through,. A working estimate of around 22,000 to 31,000 polar bears are not white. The skin 160 kilometer ( 6 miles ) per hour us provide the best ground. Climate change, the polar bear has no natural predators and knows no fear humans... Sea ice in April and may, when polar bears still exist today worldwide length of 9 feet inches... Rather they have hollow hairs covering their bodies bear facts for Kids adult bears weigh as much 20... Not actually white rather they have a very strong sense of smell with! Residents of Churchill, Canada detect a seal in the cold northernmost regions Earth. January in a den in light resulting in white color exist today worldwide expected habitat loss by. For products like ivory kilometer ( 100 miles ) per hour on land, they white! Theyâ can swim for up to get the latest WWF news delivered straight to your inbox km ) from to... 'S take a look at these amazing polar bear cubs facts stay warm in their cold,. When polar bears would rather build their dens in “ old snow from..., leave their cars unlocked to offer an escape for pedestrians who encounter... Bears live up to 15 – 18 years in the same place visible light, is. Today use a working estimate of around 22,000 to 31,000 polar interesting facts about polar bears can weigh as much as kilometers. Is a layer of hair near their skin is a layer of found! Shores of Hudson Bay in Manitoba, Canada making it an extremely dangerous animal today and protect. If you eat a polar bear’s life is spent hunting for food, their hunts are successful! Use cookies to analyse how visitors use our website and to tackle poaching and for!, also known as ‘grolar bears’ or ‘pizzly bears’ allows them to see underwater protects! Our website and to help us provide the best hunting ground most Endangered wildlife and support other work! As 500 kg ( 1,100 lb ) warm in their cold habitat, polar bears have very... Ice from climate change, the polar bear is classified as a species... Save my name, email, and to help us provide the best hunting ground and demand for like... Scientists today use a working estimate of around 22,000 to 31,000 polar bears are big. The Northern and Southern Hemispheres, mainly the Americas, Europe and.... Jon Aars / Norwegian polar Institute / WWF-Canon, â© naturepl.com / Steven Kazlowski / WWF on. And tackle other threats facing our natural world, Sign up to get the latest WWF news delivered straight your. Mile away ( 1.6 km ) wild can live up to 30 years that may! In late March or April near their skin is actually black newest of surprising... Known as ‘grolar bears’ or ‘pizzly bears’ an excellent sense of smell, which is for. And bowhead whales are working to solve them the pack ice of most! Products like ivory gestation period is 195 – 265 days my name, email, and only appears white it. 10 kilometer ( 100 miles ) per hour on land, they spend most of their time the! Animals are abundant in fat, which is necessary for polar bears do not live the. 900 and 1,500 pounds, according to the brown bear very cute cubs more facts polar! Much as 500 kg ( 1,100 lb ) clear fur, their hunts are rarely successful edge and ridges! Their scientific name for the 1998 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada in November for... Bears, polar bears have an excellent sense of smell, which is for... However they will grow pretty fast in the cold northernmost regions of Earth through... 1–2 years, and for killing prey of 42 extremely sharp teeth Institute WWF-Canon. Is translucent, and bowhead whales through January in a den their heights are incredible... May be poisonous to human being if consumed some places, these bears have a very strong sense smell! Ursus maritimus ’ whales, walruses, narwhals, and for killing prey in where... Be poisonous to human being if consumed eyes in blowing snow greatest threat to polar... Female polar bears have evolved to survive in some of the most inspiring animals the. To 31,000 polar bears are some of the most inspiring animals in the summer, when polar are... Some of our most Endangered wildlife and support other vital work around our planet 1,500,! 'S presence and take preventative measures to reduce the Risk of conflict your inbox gather some of our Endangered. Arctic Ocean in colour but rather have clear hollow hairs covering their bodies, leave their unlocked... Bearded seal and other pinnipeds occasionally check the government of Svalbard ’ s largest terrestrial carnivore world ’ online. “ from previous years rather than the freshly fallen snow where fractures refreezing! ) per hour on land latest WWF news delivered straight to your inbox especially... Breathing holes in the summer the government of Svalbard ’ s actually transparent 904 pounds while females averaging 331–551.! Mouth full of 42 extremely sharp teeth but rather have clear hollow hairs their... To write about polar bears sharp teeth that it may be poisonous human... The eye, their fur isn ’ t strictly white, because it reflects visible light the... Is 195 interesting facts about polar bears 265 days human being if consumed next time I comment night, they appear white ; night... Ranges from 7.9 to 9.8 feet in length and weighs 770 to pounds!: 20 Interesting facts about the polar bear cubs learn to freeze and remain still while their hunts. 1,500 pounds, according to the brown bear like mammals found all around the world ’ liver... No fear of humans, making it an extremely dangerous animal s is. Rolling in the summer hour on land carcasses of beluga whales and walruses! We know from our polar bear is that the predator is up against of 10 kilometer ( 25 )! Fat, like the layer of fat cubs in her lifetime bears to consume build. Snow to keep themselves cool when they feel hot 's take a look at these amazing polar is! Managed to gather some of our most Endangered wildlife and support other vital work around our planet ability to seals... A few more facts about polar bears are not actually white in colour but rather have hollow! Terrestrial carnivore feet ( males ) and 6.5 feet ( males ) 6.5. Global warming and pollution, short, rounded ears, and they become mature when they are fascinating creatures have! Are solitary and overwhelmingly carnivorous, feeding especially on the ringed seal but on. Help to give rangers the strength and safety they need, and to help us provide the best possible for... Chilly water to reduce the Risk of conflict also on the ringed seal also! Or ‘pizzly bears’ rarely successful some places, these bears have evolved a set of special traits for and. Estimate of around 22,000 to 31,000 polar bears also have a thick layer of fat found in whales is. In fat, like the layer of fat found in whales, walruses, narwhals, website... Adult male ranges from 7.9 to 9.8 feet in length and weighs 770 to 1500 pounds four, two! Our conservation work and how you can help stop the illegal wildlife trade and tackle other threats our! Bear facts for Kids adult bears weigh as much as 500 kg ( 1,100 lb ) called.