Who doesn't love this big, white polar bear? Polar bears are at the top of the food chain and vital to the health of the Arctic marine environment, as well as the culture and economy of the peoples living in the Arctic.
Polar bears depend entirely on the sea: it's their primary food source and where they spend most of their lives. But as the climate warms, this ice is melting, threatening polar bears. Here are some interesting facts about polar bears:
1. Why does a polar bear have white fur?
Polar bears have white fur, allowing them to blend into their surroundings. Their fur is so well adapted to Arctic conditions that it can sometimes be mistaken for a pile of snow. Interestingly, polar bear fur contains no white pigment; in fact, the polar bear's skin is black, and its fur is hollow. It has a thick layer of fat that keeps it warm while swimming, and a double layer of fur that protects it from the cold Arctic air.
2. What does a polar bear eat?
The polar bear is the most carnivorous member of the bear family, feeding primarily on ringed seals because it requires a large amount of fat to survive. A polar bear's stomach can hold the equivalent of 15-201 T3 of its body weight, and its digestive system metabolizes approximately 841 T3 of protein and 971 T3 of fat from the food it consumes.
3. How successful is polar bear hunting?
The typical polar bear hunt involves the bear standing motionless at a seal's blowhole, waiting for hours or even days for the seal to emerge to breathe. Seals are slippery and well-adapted to evade polar bears; a polar bear may only catch one or two out of every ten seals it hunts, depending on the time of year and other factors.
4. How well can a polar bear swim?
Polar bears are considered talented swimmers and can maintain speeds of up to six miles per hour (9.6 km/h) by paddling with their forepaws and using their hind legs like a rudder. Their feet are slightly webbed to aid in swimming. Polar bears are actually classified as marine mammals because they spend most of their lives on the sea ice of the Arctic Ocean.
5. Why does the polar bear like to keep clean?
Polar bears like to keep clean because it helps their fur insulate. Dirty, matted, and wet skin doesn't provide as much insulation. After feeding, polar bears typically bathe, swim, or roll in the snow. They also roll in the snow to cool down; despite the harsh environment, polar bears can be prone to overheating.