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Sea Ice
Their main hunting ground. The ice gives bears access to places where seals rest.
Introduction
What Is a Polar Bear?
The polar bear is the largest land carnivore on Earth. It is perfectly adapted to life among the ice and cold waters of the Arctic Ocean.
up to 3 madult male body length
up to 600 kgweight of large males
up to 30 yearspotential lifespan in the wild
Life in the North
Built for the Cold
Beneath its thick fur, the bear has a substantial layer of fat that helps retain heat. Its skin is black, while its hairs are almost transparent — they scatter light and appear white.
Wide paws help polar bears walk on snow and swim. They can travel long distances through cold seas in search of food.
An Arctic Home
Where Do Polar Bears Live?
Their range includes the Arctic regions of Russia, Canada, the United States (Alaska), Greenland, and Norway. Polar bears usually stay near sea ice, where they hunt seals.
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Diet
Seals make up most of their diet. Bears sometimes eat fish, eggs, seaweed, and carrion.
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Solitary Animals
Polar bears are usually solitary. The exception is mothers with cubs.
The Next Generation
A Bear Family
A female usually gives birth to one or two cubs in a snow den. The cubs spend their first months beside their mother, nursing and growing stronger.
The mother cares for her cubs and teaches them to find food, swim, and survive in the harsh Arctic.
The Future of the Arctic
Why Do Polar Bears Need Our Help?
Climate change is reducing sea ice. It is becoming harder for bears to hunt, find food, and raise their young.
Melting Ice
The seal-hunting season is getting shorter, while the journey to suitable hunting grounds is getting longer.
Pollution
Plastic and chemical pollutants threaten Arctic ecosystems.
Human Activity
Industrial development and shipping can disturb animal habitats.
Conservation
Scientific research and protection of Arctic areas help safeguard populations.
Everyone Can Help
Protecting the Arctic Matters!
Save energy, reduce single-use plastic, sort waste, and support trusted conservation projects. Caring for the climate helps protect the polar bears’ home.
Back to Top ↑Photo Gallery
Polar Bears in Photos
A collection of images featuring cubs, adult bears, feeding, and life in the Arctic. All images are stored in the website folder and are available offline.
Additional themed photographs on the website pages are from Wikimedia Commons; author and licence information is available on the file pages.