About Polar Bears
Polar bears are found in Canada, Russia, Norway, Denmark (Greenland) and the U.S. (Alaska).
They are the largest land predators in the world, preying mostly on seals. In winter, they patiently wait beside seal breathing holes in the ice. If a seal raises its head, the bear pulls it from the water.
In summer, bears gradually sneak up on seals while they sleep. When a bear is within 20 feet of a seal, it pounces on it's victim. Polar Bears have been known to track and take down humans for food. Polar bears overheat very quickly and will not chase at high speeds for long.
Polar bears are insulated by a 4 inch thick layer of fat. Two layers of fur shield the skin from the wind. This allows the bear to maintain a healthy body temperature when the air temperature drops as low as -30F.
Females weigh 330 to 550 pounds. Males are noticably larger, and weigh between 775 to 1,500 pounds. Their size is not really appreciated in photos. On board the Tundra Buggy, one can safely see how big they really are.
Polar bears occupy large territories of hundreds of miles. These territories often overlap, creating what scientists call a 'subpopulation.'
Knowing Polar Bear communication techniques will make your viewing more interesting -
- Bears roar, growl, hiss and snort at each other to show agression. When about to charge, they drop their heads and point their ears back.
- Mothers protect their cubs from males by charging at the male with their head down.
- Submissive polar bears always move downwind of dominant bears.
- Polar bears sway their head side to side when feeling playful. Sometimes they stand on their hind legs, chin down and front paws hanging loosely. Both young and adult bears often play fight.
- Bears have 'manners.' To share food, an apprehensive bear will circle around the carcass and try to softly touch the other bear's nose with its own nose.
- After failing to catch a seal, a frustrated polar bear may kick the snow, stamp the ground, or throw bits of ice.
- Bears make a "chuffing" sound when worried.
- Misbehaving young bears are scolded by their mothers with soft hits from a paw and low growls.
