Polar bears do overheat. According to Lisa Kemmerer's book, Bear Necessities, polar bears have the ability to store nearly 150 pounds of food in their stomachs and can enter a "metabolic state similar to that of hibernation" at any point of the year. Their scientific name is Ursus maritimus, which literally means "sea bear." Because polar bears spend most of their life in the water, they’re considered a marine mammal. The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is the largest terrestrial carnivore in the world, rivaled in size only by the Kodiak bear.Polar bears play an important role in the life and culture of the Arctic Circle. Adult polar bears can measure over 2.5m long and weigh around 680kg. They use their large front paws to propel themselves through the water and their back legs to steer. The fact that they aren't actually white is just one thing you might not know about polar bears. | Polar Bears Are Patient Hunters. The scientific name of a polar bear is Ursus maritimus. On average, male polar bears can weigh up to the same weight as ten men! The Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) is a marine mammal that inhabits the sea ice in the Arctic region of the Northern Hemisphere.. Female polar bears weigh about 150 to 250 kg (330 to 550 lb) and are about 1.8 to 2.5 m (6 to 8.2 ft) long. | 3. Polar bears can be found in the U.S. (Alaska), Canada, Russia, Greenland, and Norway (Svalbard). But outside of these cold temperatures polar bears have a problem of overheating . And what its nonsense lyrics actually mean. Or how about the fact that they're not actually white? Polar bears live in the Arctic which is near the North Pole. In fact, pregnant polar bears can actually go without food or water for four to eight months, as they retreat to their den to protect their soon-to-be-born. People think Polar bears can become 25–30 years old in nature, but in captivity (for example, in zoos), they can become up to 45 years old. 1) Polar bears are found in the frozen wilds of the Arctic, in Canada, Alaska (US), Greenland, Russia and Norway. By Tanya Lewis 27 February 2014. Although stereotyped as being voraciously aggressive, they are normally cautious in confrontations, and often choose to escape rathe… He was successful, sort of. Well, here we’re bringing some of the most fascinating polar bear facts for kids that reflect on the entire life of polar bears in the Arctic. CONTACT US Click here to learn 10 fun facts about polar bears. You may be dealing with a different issue. Polar bears reside mostly amongst the circumpolar regions of Canada, Norway, Greenland and Russia. 5. Only pregnant polar bears stay in a den for months at a time to protect, give birth, and nurse their cubs. Adult females usually only weigh about half as much as males. But other polar bears just stay outside during the winter, hunting and doing normal things. Male polar bears weigh about 350 to more than 650 kg (770 to 1,435 lb) and are about 2.5 to 3 m (8.2 to 9.8 ft) long. They live in very cold climates which is why they have thick, white fur to keep them warm. Unlike grizzly bears, polar bears are not territorial, partly because their sea ice habitat is always moving and seasonally changing, expanding in winter and retreating in summer. Polar bears are excellent swimmers. They are known informally as ‘grolar bears’ or ‘pizzly bears’. one of the most popular animals that guests want to see on our trips – they’re one of our favourites too, We are thrilled to be able to provide opportunities to see these majestic animals for guests from around the world, Polar Bears and Glaciers of Baffin Island. These stars have something to celebrate in 2021. What's the longest polar bear swim of all time? Polar bears like to keep themselves clean. It's estimated that they can smell a seal on the ice from up to 20 miles away. While most humans can barely last an hour in the water, polar bears can swim for days at a time. Click here to tell us how we can help. They are perfectly adapted for the extremely cold temperatures of the Arctic. If you think sharks are murderous, you haven't met a "deathstalker.". 2) These are seriously big bears, gang. Adult male polar bears can weigh up to 700 kg (1540 lb) and measure up to 3 metres (9 ft 10 in) in total length. Since they have two thick layers of fur and a thick layer of body fat, they have more of a chance of overheating—especially when they run—than they do of freezing, according to Polar Bears International. They tend to transmit their intentions through body language or posturing. According to the Utah Hogle Zoo, polar bears take cleanliness very seriously because anywhere that dirt ends up is a place that "cold air or water can reach their skin." 1. More fun polar bear facts. Their habitat in Canada ranges from James Bay in the south to Ellesmere Island in the north, and east to west from Labrador to the Alaskan border. This makes them even bigger than Siberian tigers. LEGAL © 2020 Galvanized Media. They just roll around in the snow! 2. It is the largest carnivore (meat eater) that lives on land. Here are five interesting facts about them: Polar bears are the largest living land carnivore, with adult males growing up to 2.6 metres in length. Recent genetic testing confirmed the existence of hybrids. Climate change is causing sea-ice to melt earlier and forming later each year, which means that polar bears have less time to hunt on top of the sea-ice. And it requires immediate emergency care. Polar bears aren’t just ordinary big white bears (they’re actually not white at all…), they’re highly specialized for life in the harshest environments. Do you have a question about getting here? They Can Weigh Up to 1,500 Pounds. This polar bear learning video for kids is the classroom edition of our polar bears video. Your email address will not be published. The only bear that could possibly rival the polar bear in size is the brown bear, otherwise known as the Kodiak bear. Polar bears are marine mammals, and pay a lot of their time on Arctic Ocean ice. Males can weigh more than 770 kg (1700 lbs). One of the few times polar bears can be seen eating plants is when the mother polar bear emerges from her den and eats plants to replenish herself before hunting. Such claws assist in digging. Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group. They can reach a total length of 9 feet 10 inches. But according to Polar Bears International, unlike other bears, polar bears don't really have a need to hibernate. The polar bear’s binomial name is Ursus maritimus. Fun and Interesting Facts about Polar Bears 1. Oct 27, 2019 - Lindsay Moore’s Sea Bear follows a lone polar bear as she travels across the sea ice in search of food. Subscribe to get an inside look at the Arctic from anywhere. Their hollow, thick coat reflects light to give a whitish color on their skin. Polar bears actually have black skin and hollow, colourless hair. Their fur is thicker than the other bears’ and covers even their feet for heat and traction on ice. Polar bears have an outer layer of fur made up of guard hairs. But according to Polar Bears International, unlike other bears, polar bears don't really have a need to hibernate. 15. If you've been feeling out of it, you might have had COVID. Let us know what you’re searching for and we’ll do our best to find what you need. They’re thought to have evolved from brown bears that became isolated due to … When female polar bears give birth, they typically do so in December and usually can give birth to anywhere between one and four cubs at a time. 1. Click here to learn 10 fun facts about polar bears. Pregnant females can weigh as much as 500 kg (1,100 lb). Unofficial names include "grolar bear" and "pizzly bears.". It's true—polar bears are super swimmers. After feeding they usually wash by taking a swim or rolling in the snow . Other animals classified as marine mammals include whales, seals, dolphins, sea lions, walruses, and sea otters. The individual hairs in a polar bear’s coat are transparent. Polar bears can live to be 25 years old when they live in the wild. On average, their heights are an incredible 8.5 feet (males) and 6.5 feet (females). As polar bears get older, their coats often yellow. While they may go for a swim as a way to bathe in the summer, in the winter, when things are frozen, they clean their fur by rolling around in the snow. So what is the biggest threat to a polar bear? They roll in the snow to clean themselves. Polar Bear Facts for Kids. Polar Bear Facts: 11-15 | Appearance. We provide opportunities to view and photograph polar bears in the Canadian Arctic from March to November: Polar Bear Mother and Newborn Cubs – March, Spring Polar Bears of Baffin – March & April, Narwhal and Polar Bear Safari – May & June, Polar Bears and Glaciers of Baffin Island – August, Polar Bear Migration Fly-In Photo Safari – October & November. Fantastic beasts (and where to find them). It is an illusion created by its fur. Young Polar bears stay with their mothers for 1–2 years, and they become mature when they are 5–6 years old. Polar bears are the world's largest terrestrial carnivore. Grizzly-polar hybrids exist. Polar Bear Facts and Information for Kids: 1. Live smarter, look better, and live your life to the absolute fullest. But the largest polar bear ever recorded weighed in at 2,210 pounds—which is more than a metric ton. How does a polar bear get clean? Enter your email address to get the best tips and advice. 5 Weird Facts About Polar Bears. 3. Adult bears weigh as much as 772–1,543 pounds. The Environmental News Network reports that polar bears regularly swim distances of 30 miles at a time. Layers on layers. 6. Males weigh 849 to 904 pounds while females averaging 331–551 pounds. At birth, polar bear cubs are 12 to 14 inches long and weigh around 1 pound. According to National Geographic, polar bears, on average, can grow up to eight feet tall and weight as big as 1,600 pounds. Constantine John Phipps was the first person who gave polar bear a … TOUR IQALUIT, A Reindeer’s Biggest Migration: Santa’s Sleigh, Remembering John Shiwak, WW1’s Inuk Sniper, Polar Bear Week: Why Polar Bears Need Sea-Ice. Did you know they are technically considered to be marine mammals? Enjoy that new white suit while it’s fresh! They are the only bears considered to be marine mammals. 2. However, they have been seen further south in James Bay, Canada. Seals make up most of a polar bears diet. According to National Geographic, one female polar bear swam for a "record-breaking nine days straight," traveling a distance of 426 miles. This becomes more of a risk when running and in the summer – when temperatures rise above freezing and up to 20°C. But according to Polar Bears International, they typically give birth in pairs of two, which means twin polar bears are not uncommon. Polar bears in the wild can live up to 30 years. If it seems like polar bears never look as clumsy or uncomfortable walking on the snow as humans or other less-equipped animals often do, it's because they have a built-in advantage. According to Discover Wildlife, polar bears need sea ice to "hunt seals," and the reduction of sea ice through climate change is leading to "fewer cub births and reduced survival rates. Sometimes polar bears have to travel long distances to get their food, which explains why they've adapted to going months without eating. Polar bears are the only type of bears classified as marine mammals because much of their life depends on the ocean, especially when it comes to food and habitat. Only pregnant polar bears stay in a den for months at a time to protect, give birth, and nurse their cubs. 11. The hunter noticed that the bear was a bit weird-looking, and after a DNA analysis, scientists determined that the creature was actually part polar bear, part grizzly bear.. Female polar bears usually only weigh about half as much as males. They possess the shortest tails of all bears. Polar bears appear white in color but they are not so. These bears often hunt with little success. | They are not actually white. As the only pure white bear, everyone is familiar with the polar bear. But, it turns out, they've actually also adapted to mate with grizzly bears. They can grow to around 9.8 feet (3 meters) long, making them the largest land carnivores in the world. Here are 10 fun facts about the great ice bears! A young polar bear on the shores of Hudson Bay in Manitoba, Canada in November waiting for the sea ice to … All Rights Reserved. The agency just confirmed the condition was added. With World Polar Bear Day right around the corner (February 27) we're sharing 10 facts about the magnificent creature that has become a pop culture icon … Polar bears' paws are ideal for roaming the Arctic, according to Polar Bears International. Polar bears are generally found in frozen wild parts of the Arctic. They are the largest bears on the planet. Polar bears are known as the "apex predators" of the Arctic, which means they are the top predator and have no natural animal predators that seek them as prey. Polar Bear Profile. We love all things polar – and bears are no exception! Don’t expect to hear them before you see them. Your email address will not be published. In fact it is not actually white—it only appears to be. Interesting Facts About Polar Bears. Polar bears are classified as marine mammals. | In 2006, National Geographic reported that they found a grizzly-polar bear hybrid. Arctic Kingdom Inc. – PO Box 6117, Iqaluit NU X0A 0H0 – Canada, +1 (888) 737-6818 | adventures@arctickingdom.com, COPYRIGHT 2021 Arctic Kingdom Fun facts about polar bears! Two-thirds of polar bear litters are twins! Polar bears heavily rely on their great sense of smell to hunt their prey, according to a 2017 study published in Scientific Reports. If you wanted some of your friend's food, you would probably just ask them if they wouldn't mind sharing. GET OUR BROCHURE While it seems hard to believe, given the nature of the climate they live in, polar bears can in fact overheat. In 2006, an American hunter set out into the Arctic, hoping to bag himself a polar bear. Canada is home to approximately 60% of the world’s polar bear population. We are thrilled to be able to provide opportunities to see these majestic animals for guests from around the world. Polar bears livearound the area of the arctic circle. These animals are abundant in fat, which is necessary for polar bears to consume to build its bulk and keep warm. And that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these cold-climate creatures. 9. Polar bear furs are hollow. When you think about bears, you often think about the hibernation they go into during the winter. Most people are familiar with polar bears from visiting zoos or seeing the bear depicted in the media, but there are many misconceptions about this fascinating animal. | 14. A thick layer of blubber below their fur provides buoyancy and insulation. Rolling in the snow also helps cool them off when they get too hot. Interested in one of our trips? Most polar bears live up to 15 – 18 years. The long neck and slim bone of the Thalarctos mariti… They have black footpads on the bottom of each paw which are covered in small, soft bumps—known as papillae—which grip the ice, and keep the bear from slipping. Polar bears are actually black, not white. Don't worry, they look white to us, too. Most polar bears live up to 15 – 18 years. They also have bits of fur in between their toes to add extra security. 6 There Are Polar Bear–Grizzly Hybrids. LEGAL Their paws are basically built-in show shoes. While it's easy to think of bears as fluffy cuddle monsters, there's a lot more than meets the eye! Polar bears stand 133 high at the shoulder. The Inuit people of the Canadian Artic call the polar bear nanuq, an animal worthy of great respect. Ten polar bear facts. Keep reading for more amazing polar bear facts that you won't believe. This fantastic PowerPoint will teach you a whole bunch of facts about polar bears and some fun polar bear habitat facts. Female polar bears are around half the size of male polar bears. 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