Welcome to the exciting world of the polar bear.

Polar bear walking along the ice at sunset

Photo: Daniel J. Cox

From their origin story and characteristics to their habitat and diet, we’re giving you an in-depth look into the life of a polar bear.

Mama bear and her cub walking along the ice

How the Sea Bear Got Its Name

While they likely evolved between 343,000-479,000 years ago, the polar bear didn’t receive its Latin name until 1774. Ursus maritimus refers to the animal's close association with the Arctic's chilly waters and sea ice.

Seal popping their head up from the ice

Photo: Daniel J. Cox

Where They Live and Eat

A polar bear’s home is on the sea ice, where it hunts seals at open leads and breathing holes. The bears prey on both ringed and bearded seals across their range, but will take other prey when available.

Polar bears may travel more than 1,000 km in one season.

The size of a polar bear's range depends on many factors, including the quality of the sea ice and the availability of
their seal prey.

Habitat 

They can eat more than 45 kg (100 lb) of blubber in one sitting.

When hunting is good, and a polar bear's body is in good condition, the bear may eat only the seal's blubber and skin.

Diet & Prey 
Mama bear and cub

Growing Through the Seasons

Female polar bear’s typically have a litter every 3 years starting at age 5. Newborns weigh little more than half a kilogram (one lb) and are ~30-35 cm long. They are blind, toothless, and covered with short, soft fur.

Mama bear embracing her cub

Photo: Daniel J. Cox

What They’re Like in the Arctic

From fur to skin, to paws and claws, the polar bear’s physique is built to dominate the Arctic. They are a vital part of this vulnerable ecosystem and a charismatic symbol of the North.

They wag their heads to indicate they want to play.

Adult bears initiate play—which is actually ritualized fighting or mock battling—by standing on their hind legs, chin lowered to their chests, with front paws hanging by their sides.

Behavior 

Polar bears can grow to 590 kg and stand 3 meters tall.

Adult males normally weigh between 350 and 590 kg (772 and 1300 lb). Adult females, like Anuri, usually weigh between 150 and 295 kg (331 and 650 lb), but can get bigger in some regions.

Adaptations & Characteristics 
Mama bear nestling her cub

Their Fate is in Our Hands

Scientists estimate that there are currently about 26,000 polar bears worldwide. But without action on climate change, a 2020 study shows that we will lose all but a few polar bear populations by the end of the century.

A polar bear mom and cub

Photo: Tim Auer / Polar Bears International

Meet Anuri. She’ll be your guide.

Anuri is a 22-year-old polar bear and has one coy (cub of the year). Her sharp eyes, keen nose, and careful hearing help her find prey and teach her cub how to survive on the Arctic sea ice. Follow her journey across the sea ice on our Polar Bear Tracker!