Important Polar Bear Facts and Quick Figures to Remember

According to the latest biological research, the polar bear population barely exceeds 20 to 25 thousand animals. Back in 2009, at a conference dedicated to the support and research of these animals, experts reported that 8 out of 19 bear subpopulations greatly reduced, 3 of them are in stable condition and only 1 increased its population. Information regarding the remaining 7 populations is not sufficient enough to determine the condition, in which the animals currently are.


Recently, the polar bear conservation status has been elevated to vulnerable, so it is important to spread the word about these animals. We have put together a list of interesting things and scientific facts, which should be known by both kids and adults.


Interesting Facts about Polar Bears – Educational Video for Kids and School Learning

#1. Size of polar bears

Polar bear is the representative of the animal family called the Ursidae. Modern zoology considers polar bears to be the largest species of bear. The sizes, which these animals reach, are truly amazing - when standing on its four legs, the height of the animal may reach 1-1.5 meters (3.2 ft-4.5 ft).

#2. Lifespan of an animal

Normally, these bear species live 15-18 years in the wild, but are known to reach the age of 30 years in captivity. The closest animal relative to the polar is the brown bear (Ursus arctos).

#3. What is the skin color of a polar bear?

Underneath the thick white fur, the skin of a polar bear is actually black. The bristles of the coat by themselves are transparent and hollow and in different conditions, the coloring of a polar bear can vary from white to yellowish.

The fur color of polar bears, which are kept in captivity can sometimes even turn green, if the algae starts to grow in the bristles (inside the tube of hair).

#4. How polar bears stay warm

Polar bears are well adapted to the harsh northern weather conditions. Their skin is covered in two layers of fur - smooth water-repellent layer and a dense undercoat.

Moreover, the animals can’t get cold thanks to a 5-10 centimeter layer of fat under the skin, which helps them to retain heat even, when the temperature drops way below zero. These bear species have small ears and tail that does not allow them to lose heat.

#5. Swimming abilities

Feet of these animals are heavily furred and their soles have bumps, which allows them to walk on smooth ice without slipping. White fur is a perfect means of camouflage – it helps them to hide in the snow, as well as quietly sneak up on prey.

Thanks to their webbed paws, polar bears are capable of swimming for dozens of kilometers in search of food, while staying in the ice-cold water for hours. A considerable amount of fat in the body of the animal also enables them to remain afloat easily.

#6. Hunting and looking for food

An incredible sense of smell of a polar bear comes especially handy during a search for prey. These marine mammals mainly prey on ringed seals and bearded seals. Such fat-rich diet helps them to accumulate their own fat reserves, thus helping to cope with hunger and stay warm during the harshest weather conditions.

In order to survive the times, when there is an evident shortage of food, these animals have an ability to slow down their metabolism.

#7. Reproduction and bear cubs

The reproductive age of the female polar bear is 4 to 8 years. But these animals are known to have a very low reproductive rate, as, on average, they give birth to 5 cubs in a lifetime.

Newborn bear cubs are very tiny compared to their parents - between 30 and 35 centimeters (11-13 inches) in length and the weigh just 0.5 kilograms (1.1 lbs). They grow quickly and are being looked after by their mother for about 2.5 years after birth.

Other interesting data and quick facts:

- The Inuits of Canada in their mythology called the a polar bear "Nanook" and treated this animal with great respect.

-  The weight of an adult polar bear can reach a staggering 1000 kg (2204 lbs), which the average weight of the smallest representative of the #bear species is the Sun bear. These animals have the average weight of 50 kg (110 pounds).

- Polar bears are considered to be excellent swimmers. They are capable of swimming to distances as big as 100 kilometers (62 miles).

- The largest polar bear is said to have weighted 1000 kg (2204 lbs).

- Although the temperature in the Arctic drops way below zero, polar bears are more likely to suffer from overheating than from hypothermia, especially when running.

 - Polar bears are known for their playful temper. They can often be seen playing around with their relatives.

-  An exceptionally good appetite is one of the characteristics, inherent to polar bears. In just one hour, they can consume an amount of the food, which will make up almost 10% of the animal’s body weight.

 - It’s a well known fact that bears spend most of their winters hibernating. The hibernation lasts from 75 to 195 days a year. However, not all bears are subject to this phenomenon. For example, when we talk about polar bears, only pregnant female animals hibernate in winter.

Image credits:

1) www.churchillpolarbears.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/polar-bear-2.jpg
2) www.animals.sandiegozoo.org/sites/default/files/juicebox_slides/polar_bear_03.jpg
3) www.4.bp.blogspot.com/-i0DTpuaV6BM/Tcv-WLlKRuI/AAAAAAAAMzw/0newG8CVuq0/s1600/The-best-top-desktop-bears-wallpapers-hd-bear-wallpaper-9-arctic-polar-bear-and-young-bear-cub.jpg