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Seals Are the Main Prey
Bears often hunt seals near openings and breathing holes in the ice, where seals surface for air.
The Polar Bear’s Diet
What Is on a Polar Bear’s Menu?
The polar bear is a carnivore. Seals, especially ringed seals, make up most of its diet. Fat-rich food helps it store energy and stay warm in the cold climate.
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Fish
Bears sometimes catch fish, but fish are not a major part of their diet.
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Bird Eggs
In some seasons, bears may raid bird nests and eat eggs when other food is unavailable.
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Carrion
Bears may feed on the remains of marine animals, such as whale carcasses washed ashore.
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Plant Foods
In summer, they sometimes eat berries, grass, and other plants, but these foods cannot replace seals.
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Why Is Fat Important?
Seal fat is very high in calories. It helps bears build energy reserves and maintain insulation.
How Does a Polar Bear Hunt?
A bear often waits by a hole in the ice where a seal surfaces for air. Sometimes it carefully approaches a seal resting on the ice. Hunting requires patience and a great deal of energy.
Why Is Melting Ice Such a Big Problem?
Sea ice is the polar bear’s main hunting ground. When it disappears earlier or forms later, bears have less time to hunt. That is why protecting the Arctic environment is so important.
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Diet and Life in the Arctic
Polar bears are carnivores. Sea ice and the coast play an important role in finding food.
