Four Key Facts to Learn About Polar Bears

Up in Churchill, Manitoba, located in the northern part of Canada, polar bears are embarking on their yearly migration to Hudson Bay. There, sea ice is forming again after melting away during the summer months. Following several long months of not eating, this migration signals the bears’ return to their icy hunting grounds where their preferred prey, ringed seals and bearded seals, can be found. Polar Bear Week is intentionally scheduled to align with this migration period (which means you’ll likely spend the whole week captivated by live polar bear cameras!).

1. Polar bears are superbly adapted to their environment

Polar bears flourish in the severe climate of the Arctic. They have a protective outer fur coat along with a thick undercoat, both of which help keep the bears warm even when winter temperatures regularly drop below -30° F. Even the bottoms of their paws are covered in fur: this gives them better grip on the ice and shields their paws from the cold. Additionally, a dense layer of fat—measuring 2 to 4 inches thick provides extra insulation against the freezing Arctic waters and helps the bears stay afloat when they swim.

While polar bear fur looks white, it is actually transparent. The hollow shafts of their hair reflect light in a way similar to ice, making the bears appear white or sometimes yellow. Under their thick coats, polar bears have black skin, which is better at absorbing the sun’s warmth to help them stay cozy in frigid conditions.

2. Polar bears are amazing athletes

Polar bears have swimming abilities that would make any Olympic athlete envious. Their large paws, which are slightly webbed, allow them to swim at a speed of six miles per hour—for reference, Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps typically swims at around 3.92 miles per hour. What’s more, polar bears can swim for more than 60 miles without stopping to rest.

Though they spend roughly 50 percent of their time hunting for food, only 2 percent of their hunting attempts are successful. This means they often have to travel long distances to find their next meal. One study tracked a female polar bear that swam nonstop for nine days, covering 426 miles—about the same distance as driving from Washington, D.C. to Ann Arbor, Michigan.

3. Polar bears are clever hunters

Biologists consider polar bears to be among the smartest land animals in North America. These bears have complex social structures and can complete intricate tasks. As hunters, polar bears are extremely intelligent and patient: they can stay completely still for hours above a seal’s breathing hole in the ice, waiting for the seal to come up for air. They also search for seal dens; when they find one, they will break through the icy roof and attack the seals inside.

But polar bears aren’t just skilled hunters, they also love to play. Observations have shown them wrestling with other bear “friends” and sliding down icy hills over and over again just for fun. However, this play isn’t just for enjoyment: it plays an important role in the development of polar bear cubs, helping them practice the skills they will later need for hunting and protecting themselves.

4. Polar bears are in trouble (but you can help!)

Global climate change poses a serious threat to polar bears. Since 1979, the amount of sea ice in the Arctic has decreased by approximately 30 percent. This means polar bears are being forced onto land (and away from their prey) for longer stretches of time. For instance, in the Hudson Bay polar bear population, the bears now spend about 30 more days on land each year than they did 30 years ago. Some polar bears have to walk nearly 900 miles to find small food sources like berries and kelp, but these foods don’t provide enough nutrition to meet their needs. This lack of proper food puts more stress on the bears, especially young cubs. Since 1987, the Hudson Bay polar bear population has declined by 22 percent. With their habitat melting away beneath them, the U.S. Geological Survey predicts that if no action is taken, two-thirds of all polar bears could disappear by 2050.

As if climate change weren’t bad enough, the Arctic ecosystem still faces risks from dangerous offshore drilling. There are no proven methods to effectively clean up oil spills in Arctic waters, so a spill could have devastating and long-lasting effects on polar bears. While Shell Oil recently announced that it will stop offshore drilling near Alaska for the time being, the Obama administration was considering whether to include new Arctic lease sales in a future drilling program. We shouldn’t let this risky drilling resume. Will you help speak up for polar bears this Polar Bear Week? Please take action by joining Ocean Conservancy and me in protecting the Arctic from dangerous offshore drilling.

Conclusion

Polar bears are extraordinary creatures, perfectly adapted to thrive in one of the harshest environments on Earth—yet they now face unprecedented threats from climate change and human activities like offshore drilling. From their specialized fur and fat layers to their impressive swimming skills and clever hunting tactics, every aspect of these bears reflects their unique role in the Arctic ecosystem. But with sea ice disappearing and their survival at risk, it’s crucial that we take action to protect them. Whether it’s supporting efforts to fight climate change or opposing risky drilling in the Arctic, each step we take can help ensure that polar bears continue to roam the Arctic for generations to come. This Polar Bear Week—and beyond—let’s commit to being advocates for these magnificent animals.