Polar bears are apex predators in their distribution area - around the North Pole and in the Arctic Sea. 1)
Polar bears are among the largest terrestrial predators. 2)
Polar bears are the most carnivorous of all bears. They are also by far the most likely to hunt humans. 3)
The main food of polar bears are seals and predominantly ringed seals. Bears kill them with a paw strike. 4)
It is estimated that polar bears need to hunt between 50 and 75 seals per year to survive. 5)
Polar bears may feed on carrion, such as the remains of walruses or whales. Between 10 and 20 bears may congregate at a single carcass. 6)
Polar bears can travel 19 miles per day for several days. 7)
After birth, female polar bears care for their young for more than 2 years. They do not become pregnant again during this time. 8)
The polar bear population is estimated at 25,000 individuals. 9)
The lifespan of polar bears is 15 to 18 years, although they live longer in captivity and the record-holder, Debby bear from the Winnipeg Zoo, lived to the ripe old age of 42. 10)
The hair of polar bears is translucent and their coat is white in color so they can camouflage themselves well in their surroundings. 11)
Polar bear skin is black in color so it absorbs sunlight and allows the animal to stay warm. 12)
Polar bears are excellent swimmers. 13)
Polar bears are solitary, pairing up briefly during the mating season, which occurs in April and May. 14)
Polar bears can produce fertile crosses with brown bears. This means that the two species are quite closely related to each other. 15)