Polar Bear Facts

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  • Why Do People Hunt Polar Bears?

    Polar bears have long been the victims of human hunting. Humans hunt bears for several purposes such as sports, trading in skin, fur, polar bear trophy, or simply for polar bear food. The international agreement says that only the native people are allowed to hunt polar bears. It’s up to the indigenous people if they want to kill white bears for sports, trophy, food, or for trading.

    Why Do People Hunt Polar Bears in Canada?

    In Canada, the lottery issues legal permits to kill polar bears according to which winners may keep the bear’s meat but must sell the polar bear’s pelt for $10,000. The permits are issued in the western Hudson Bay (Inuit village). Many non-indigenous hunters will also purchase polar bear tags. Every year indigenous hunters kill 50 – 60 polar bears.

    Conservationists on the other hand discourage legal or illegal hunting of polar bears worldwide let alone Canada. They maintain that indigenous hunters are more responsible for the population decline than the climate change.

    Over the past few decades the native hunting has become a serious threat of vulnerable species. The Canadian government is likely to impose permanent ban on polar bear skin trade. Hunters in the Nunavut have agreed to reduce the bear hunting. They will hunt 40 – 45 polar bears each year instead of 60.

    Hunting of Polar Bears in Greenland

    Read More: Polar Bears in Greenland

    In the earlier days there were no restrictions on polar bear hunting whatsoever. In fact the one who kills the bear is often rewarded. If a person came across a bear in East Greenland and North-West he had rights to shot the animal. The practice continued for years and passed to next generations. As it turned out everyone shot bears until in mid-60s when only expert hunters were permitted to kill polar bears.

    Read More: How Many Polar Bears are Left in the World?

    There is an old tradition in Greenland that the first person to sight polar bear is going to take skin and meat (of the bear). It doesn’t matter who kills it, the animal belongs to the first observer. Even today the tradition is alive. In East Greenland, North Greenland, and South Greenland polar bears are hunted nearly every month by indigenous people. In the East and North Greenland professional hunters kill white bears in winter. However in South Greenland, hunters are not professionals they just find one along the way and shot bears on the sea ice.

    why do people hunt polar bears
    Image Courtesy: mashable.com

    Polar Bear Hunting in the United States

    The Marine Mammal Protection Act, 1972 forbade common men to hunt polar bears. Under the Act only native people who live on the coastal homes are allowed to hunt bears. The permission is so granted because natives rely on bear’s meat for consumption. However the Act makes sure that the bear is neither hunted for sports nor does its meat go in vain. Besides, the authorities estimate the optimum level of polar bear population so that the animal does not become endangered.

    Can you Hunt Polar Bears in Alaska?

    Yes and probably no! It is absolutely illegal to shoot polar bears in Alaska. However the Alaskan natives or Eskimos are allowed to hunt. They can kill white bears legally. These natives are called Eskimos. The Eskimos live on the coastal areas of North Pacific Ocean and they harvest bears for surviving. Their life depends on it. Still the Alaskan natives must enroll themselves under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. A person who has not enrolled under the Act cannot hunt bears even if he is an Aleuts.

    The authorities have not imposed any limit on the number of bears to be harvested so long as the harvest doesn’t end up in waste. Eskimos can harvest polar bears any time in a year.

    The Alaskan hunters must also report polar bear’s skull and hides to Fish and Wildlife Service no more than a month after the kill.

    The native people are legally permitted to sell polar bear’s meat in the Alaskan village.

    Polar Bear Hunting in Russia

    Russia is one of few countries where no one is allowed to hunt polar bears—not even aborigines. Nonetheless, the law is likely to be changed in future in order to permit natives to kill bears. Despite the regulation local people have continued hunting ice bears for their sustenance depends on polar bear hunting. The Russian government believes that if hunting were made legal people would kill bears for money.

    Why do people kill polar bears?

    Some people such as professional hunters kill polar bears for sports while others (like aborigines) hunt for survival. In the northwest Greenland, Qaanaaq people kill white bears partly for trading purposes and partly for consumption. The aborigines are thought to sell bear’s skin, skull, hide, and claws in the village market. They will not sell it outside the village market. The native people also eat bear’s meat.

    Do People Eat Polar Bear Meat?

    Yes people do eat polar bear meat. These people are mostly aborigines who live along the coastal habitats. Aborigines often hunt polar bears for multiple purposes including consumption.

    Is it Illegal to Kill Polar Bears?

    No it’s not as long as you’re one of the natives or Eskimos. Eskimos are legally allowed to hunt polar bears but if anyone from outside shoots the bear he/she is deemed to have violated the law.

    How many Polar Bears are Hunted Each Year?

    While it is difficult to estimate the number of polar bears hunted each year, biologists believe that each year people (including natives) kill 60 – 70 polar bears.

    Why Do People Kill Polar Bears? – Video

    YOU MIGHT LIKE TO READ MORE?

    • HOW CAN WE SAVE POLAR BEARS?: Something needs to be done on priority basis before it’s too late. It’s a now-or-never situation for all of us…
    • ARE THERE POLAR BEARS IN RUSSIA?: Russia is home to many polar bears and but the exact numbers are not known. According to a rough estimate there are more than 3,000 polar bears living in Chukchi Sea (Russian territory) alone… 
    • WHY ARE POLAR BEARS GOING EXTINCT?: The climate change has devastating effects on the existence of polar bears. Over the past few decades the rise in temperature threatens the very existence of natural Arctic habitat… 
    • CAUSES OF POLAR BEARS DEATHS: Polar bears find it hard to search for food especially in ice-free summer months. They can live without food for as long as 4 – 5 months… 

  • Polar Bear Features | Polar Bear Physical Characteristics

    Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are as deadly and powerful as they probably look! But their looks can only tell us about their size more than anything else. If we deeply study the characteristics and physical features of a polar bear then perhaps it can reflect on its ability to stand out in the entire animal kingdom. Ice bears are extremely strong and well-developed and they have long dominated their ecological niche in the Arctic’s frigid habitat. Very few mammals enjoy the same status. Polar bear’s neck and skull are so powerful that it can pull animal nearly the size of its own. Let’s take a look at the adaptive features of polar bear.

    Polar Bear Physical Characteristics

    Polar Bear Nose and Snout

    Polar bears are primarily known for their acute sense of smell. Thanks to its sharp nose with the help of which the bear is able to smell its primary prey (ringed seal) hidden 2 feet under the snow. This is quite remarkable adaptive feature because it allows the animal to sense the wind direction and then follow the smell. They are thought to detect the animal’s movement from 1.6 km away. Even the thick snow cannot prevent the seal from exposing itself to the arctic’s predator. If the seal is exposed on an open ice the bear senses it from as far a distance as 20 kilometers.

    Polar bears possess the longest snout of all Ursids and there is good reason for this adaptive feature. Arctic bears must hunt seals to stay alive but seals remain in water. Bears while standing on the ice float attempts to reach the prey by smashing the ice. The long snout helps her to get to the prey with minimum resistance. The snout also performs another function in that it serves as a tool to make cool air warm so that the air gets moistened before reaching the lungs.

    Polar Bear Eyes

    Read More: How Far Can a Polar Bear See?

    Polar bears seem to have dark black eyes but they are fairly smaller as compared to the animal’s body size. The small size of polar bear’s eyes possibly reduces the risk of snow blindness. There is a nictitating membrane that surrounds the eyes so that the bear doesn’t get hit directly by the sunlight. Polar bears can also identify colors but the vision is quite limited.

    Polar Bear Teeth

    Read More: Do Polar Bears have Sharp Teeth?

    There are total 42 teeth inside polar bear’s mouth but all of them are of different sizes. The canines are the largest, sharpest, and the most powerful of all teeth. Bears use their canines to tear the soft parts of the flesh. Incisors are the smallest and deciduous teeth. Polar bears are capable to rip the hardest flesh with their penetrating sharp teeth.

    Polar Bear Ears

    Read More: Why Do Polar Bears have Small Ears?

    The polar bear’s ears are rounded but short. This is probably an adaptation to enable the bear to swim for hours and even days. If the bear had long ears the water would have entered the ear canal and damaged the ear drum. This has been a quite useful trait because ice bears spend more than half of their lives under water.

    polar bear physical characteristics
    Polar bears have got quite many special feature to deal with the Arctic sea ice. Polar bear physical features. Photo by World Wildlife Fund.

    Polar Bear Claws

    Main Article: How Long are Polar Bear Claws?

    Unlike tigers, polar bears have non-retractable claws. Bears walk with claws exposed all the time and thus providing a firm grip on the icy surface. Arctic bears can also hold prey with their claws which gives an edge to other predators.

    Polar Bear Fur and Skin

    Read More: Why are Polar Bears White?

    No wonder polar bears are covered with a dense coat jacket which prevents the animal from getting hit by the extreme cold. This is the only way to survive the harsh environment of the tundra. The polar bear hair is divided into two classes—external guard hairs and an insulating underfur. The guard hairs are little silky, transparent and hollow. Bears have 10,000 hairs per square inch. Another trait is that polar bear hairs are water resistant so that water doesn’t stick to the coat.

    Polar bear’s hair lacks pigment which means it adopts the color of the light that shines on it. During sunset or sunrise the bear becomes yellowish-orange. The molting begins in spring and ends in late summer. During these days many bears would appear to have black spots on their body. This is because black skin becomes visible where hairs disappear.

    Polar Bear Tails

    Read More: Do Polar Bears have Tails?

    All bears including polar bears have short tails—possibly one of the shortest tails in carnivorous land mammals. Polar bear’s tail is even shorter as compared to other bear species probably because it prevents the considerable heat loss from the tail.

    Polar Bear Paws

    Read More: Why Do Polar Bears have Large Feet?

    White bears have exceptionally large and wide paws as compared to their overall body size. The paws are meant to distribute the bear’s weight over the surface area so that she can move efficiently on the snow.

    There are papillae that cover the pads of the polar bear’s feet. The papillae are also called dermal bumps. They prevent the animal from slipping while gripping firmly on the snow. Polar bears have partially webbed feet so that they can swim with ease.

    polar bear features
    Image Courtesy: Churchill Wild

    Polar Bear Special Features

    Polar Bear Sixth Sense—Direction

    Polar bears are blessed with amazing ability to navigate the Arctic Circle using their extraordinary sense of direction. They are quite expert in finding way back home even in absolute darkness which can last for as long half a year in the Arctic. Scientists have not been able to uncover the real cause of this skill. It is reasonable to assume that polar bears possess a special compass (within) that coincides with the earth’s magnetic field to show them their way.

    Polar Bear Stature

    Unique in polar bear’s stature is that its body is narrowly built with an elongated neck and face. Looking from sideways polar bears appears to be slanted from the front. This is due to the fact that their front legs are shorter than their hind legs. The slanting body assists the animal to get to the breathing hole.

    Polar Bear Stomach

    Read More: Polar Bear Digestive System

    Ice bears have an outstanding stomach in that it can process meat with the highest contents of fats. There would hardly be any animal in the entire kingdom that digests such fats. Juveniles rely on seal’s meat whereas adults mostly consume the blubber.

    Polar Bear Sexual Dimorphism

    White bears are sexually dimorphic mammals. Adult females are 2 – 3 times smaller than the adult males. Except for the size no other major difference is thought to be observed between two sexes.

    Polar Bear Blubber

    Ice bears are insulated with the 4-inches-thick layer of blubber. Half of the bear’s weight consists of its blubber. The blubber together with the bear’s fur serves as thick jacket and the jacket makes the bear to afloat whilst swimming. The blubber also performs a useful function of energy storage. During warmer months bears rely on these available fats since the seal hunting becomes impossible. When bears want to consume reserve fats the oxygen is mixed with the fat to give metabolic water and carbon dioxide. Freshwater is a rare commodity in the Arctic Circle but polar bears know how to deal with the water scarcity.

    YOU MIGHT LIKE THIS TOO…?

    • POLAR BEAR ANATOMY: The average heart beat rate in adult polar bears is 60 to 90 bpm however in cubs the rate reaches high up to 130 beats per minute. The high bpm in cubs is mainly because of their activity level.
    • POLAR BEAR SKULL: The polar bear’s skull is a typical of any other land carnivores. Bears unlike other carnivores have relatively deep and flattened mandibular fossa.
    • POLAR BEAR ORGANS: The polar bear’s heart is slightly larger than the human’s heart but it is less than one-third of the hippo’s heart. The four-chambered bear’s heart consists of left and right ventricles as well as left and right auricles. 

    Polar Bear Special Features – Video

  • Polar Bear Digestive System | Gastrointestinal System

    The significant part of the polar bear’s digestive system is its stomach which is not only hollow but also muscular—capable of holding as much as 15 – 20% of the body weight. The digestive system of a polar bear is so efficient that it can digest up to 97% of fatty foods. The bear can afford to consume as much fats as it possibly can to survive in the frigid Arctic weather. There are many more facts about the polar bear digestive system that you probably don’t know.

    Polar Bear Digestive System

    The polar bear digestive system is highly efficient especially in assimilating fat-rich diet. The bear’s stomach is so massive that it contributes 20 – 71% to the overall polar bear’s weight. Studies suggest that bears are able to consume 10% of their body weight in just 30 minutes.

    A polar bear’s stomach is well developed to ingest the fatty foods instead of protein-rich diet. One basic reason for its excessive reliability on fats is that the fat digestion generates water.

    Sometimes the stomach cannot digest large amount of protein in a way it should which is probably due to the presence of seal hair. The seal’s hair as well as bear’s own hair is likely to limit the stomach efficiency. Polar bear might have swallowed some of its hair while grooming which could become hindrance during digestion. The typical stomach efficiency is was 91.8 +/- 2.4%.

    Read More: What Do Polar Bears Eat?

    Ice bears never rely on protein-rich diet as a matter of fact adults fancy eating only the blubber of ringed seals while the young bears consume only the meat. This shows that the polar bear’s stomach is well developed to ingest the fatty foods instead of protein-rich diet. One basic reason for its excessive reliability on fats is that the fat digestion generates water. Polar bear make up the deficiency of water through fatty foods. However the protein-rich food requires water. The more they eat meat the greater is the thirst. Freshwater is a rare commodity in the arctic. Besides, in order to find water bears must first consume their energy which can be costly. White bears are thought to be extremely efficient at recycling nitrogenous products of catabolism.

    Read More: Polar Bear Metabolism

    The polar bear’s stomach is able to digest 97.3% of fat and 83.7% of protein. According to scientists the protein digestion is only limited by the undue presence of either polar bear’s or seal’s hair and bones. The transit time for digesting fatty diet (blubber) is the slowest. Polar bears must take 12,000-16,000 kilocalories each day to remain active. They can obtain this much calories by consuming 2 kg of blubber together with 5 kg of meat.

    YOU MIGHT LIKE TO READ?

    • POLAR BEAR ANATOMY:The average heart beat rate in adult polar bears is 60 to 90 bpm however in cubs the rate reaches high up to 130 beats per minute. 
    • POLAR BEAR FEATURES: Polar bears possess the longest snout of all Ursids and there is good reason for this adaptive feature.

    Polar Bear Digestive System – Video

  • Polar Bear Den – How Does a Polar Bear Make its Den?

    The early winter in the Arctic is thought to be the ideal denning season for polar bears. Pregnant females excavate dens in order to raise their cubs and emerge only when cubs attain 3 months of age. Polar bear dens are likely to reflect on the polar bear population in a specified location. The greater is the density of dens the larger is the bear’s population.

    Dens occur widely in Svalbard Archipelago, Novaya Zemlya, Franz Joseph Land, and Wrangel Island in Russia. In Russia dens are also found in the rugged mountains as well as in fjordlands. In Alaska however researchers did not seem to find any significant denning sites. The probable reason is that Alaska gets only little snow.

    Polar Bear Den Facts

    The denning site must be abundant in snow and the thickness of the ice should be enough to cover snow caves or tunnels. Furthermore, dens also depend on the weather and topographic conditions.

    Description of a Polar Bear Maternity Den

    Polar bear females make dens in the steep slope or snow. The pregnant females make dens that measure 1 – 3 meters in depth. Polar bear den is not so simple. It has one narrow entrance which is followed by a long tunnel. The tunnel may run several meters.

    The average length of the den is about 15 feet (5 meters) with a chamber measuring up to 20 square feet.

    The width measures around 1.38 meters whereas the height is about 0.8 meter.

    The average size of the den is about 0.5 by 3.0 by 1.5 m (8 x 10 x 5 feet) lacking ventilation hole.

    The bear’s den consists of oval chambers with three cubic meters in volume. Just to be on the safer side females build dens 5 – 8 kilometers off the coast. However in the Hudson Bay dens may be found as far ashore as 29 – 118 km inland.

    The maternity dens are built on the slanting surface measuring 20 – 40 degrees. The density of snow is around 1 – 3 meters.

    Read More: Do Polar Bears Hibernate?

    polar bear den facts
    Polar bear cubs just outside their den. Polar Bear Den.

    Condition of the Polar Bear Den

    In the James Bay or Hudson Bay females often dig dens in earth. It happens mostly in summer because the bear must cool herself. In the East Greenland or Beaufort Sea polar bears make dens within the thick ice sheet consisting of multiple layers. The overall protection of snow is there even when they make dens in earth.

    While the outside temperature drops to -50 °C (-58 °F) the temperature inside the den remains at 0 °C (32 °F). This shows the real skill of a female polar bear. The cubs remain not only safe from predators but also become weather protected.

    Read More: Polar Bear Cubs

    The Ontario bears usually make dens where there is greatest density of snow. In Manitoba polar bears build dens along the streams the den is hid in the trees. In the Canadian High Arctic bears make slanted dens that face towards south because the northward winds should slip over it without entering inside.

    Polar bears inhabiting the Wrangel Island are not so lucky to have snow all year-round; they should wait for the months when the snow accumulation is the greatest. As a result the females do not dig dens on varied locations

    Dens are not always made with multiple chambers. They also make single-chamber den with simple construction. Similarly the tunnel might sometimes run for few centimeters instead of meters. The Ontario bears are known to make dens such as this.

    Location of the Polar Bear Den

    Polar bears may or may not use the same denning site. The same bear rarely builds den on the older site. They will keep 30 – 40 meters distance between the older site and newer site. Polar bears may either scatter their dens (larger denning site) or simply accumulate them in a small area.

    In the Wrangel Island and Svalbard Island dens are concentrated at a particular place distancing only 30 meters apart. But in Ontario the dens are quite scattered and are also 74 miles off the coast.

    In northern Alaska polar bears are thought to make dens on river banks, lake shore and coastal banks. Some dens are complex whereas others are fairly simple. The thickness of the snow that lies above the den is one meter. According to research about 80% of the Alaskan dens occur only 10 kilometers off the coast.

    Read More: When Do Polar Bears Leave their Mother?

    polar bear den
    Polar bear is asleep inside its den. Polar Bear Den. Photo by: Churchill Polar Bears

    Purpose of Maternity Dens

    The primary purpose of maternity den is to raise cubs while protecting them from potential land-based predators.

    Apart from nurturing, females also conserve energy by relaxing during the ice-free months.

    As the winter approaches the pregnant female begins excavating snow dens. She will stay inside the den for approximately 3 months—to give birth in midwinter. Dens on the pack ice are relatively safer. The mother rarely leaves the cubs alone inside the den. That is why when cubs are able to walk she leaves (the den) along with them.

    Polar Bear Dens on the Sea Ice

    Researchers found 53% of the polar bear dens on the drifting ice. The rapid climate change forces the ice to move faster than before—rendering dens to be redundant. Nonetheless, the overall success rate is the same as compared to those constructed on land.

    When the ice pack breaks to refreeze again the female carries her newborn cubs in a desperate attempt to transfer them to a new den.

    Polar bears need to stay inside the den in the initial to 5 months so that the cubs’ production remains successful. In summer however they can afford to build dens on land.

    Polar Bear Den – Video

  • Polar Bear Scientific Name | Scientific Classification

    Aristotle was the first person to divide the entire living things into plants and animals. Centuries later Carl Linnaeus, a Swedish biologist, also believed that animals were one of the three kingdoms. The modern taxonomy is based on Carl’s hierarchical classification.

    Polar Bear Scientific Name & Classification

    The taxonomic or scientific classification defines the animals biologically on the basis of their common characteristic behavior or adaptation. All animals in the world have something in common (to the other) which makes them related species. These related animals are grouped in the same class or order. Scientists have named them according to their unique qualities.

    Kingdom Animalia

    Animals are multicellular, eukaryotic organisms. They possess the ability to move independently. All animals in the world eat other animals to survive and that is how the entire kingdom exists. The major division of kingdom animalia is vertebrates and invertebrates. Vertebrates have backbone while invertebrates lack one. Only 5% of all animal species are vertebrates. This includes mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians and fish. Polar bears fall into the category of mammals.

    Class Mammalia

    Polar bears belong to the class mammalia because they possess mammalian traits. Mammalian traits include mammary glands and female bear nurse their young with milk. The milk is secreted from the mammary glands.

    Order Carnivora

    White bears belong to the order carnivora. They are the largest member of the mammalian order. The least weasel is the smallest mammal. The carnivore includes 280 placental mammals which qualifies it as the most diverse of the mammalian order. While most carnivorous animals rely on meat for their consumption there are some that are omnivores.

    Read More: Polar Bear Evolution

    polar bear scientific name
    A big dominant male polar bear. Polar bear scientific name. Photo by seeker.

    Suborder Caniformia

    The word Caniformia means ‘dog-like’ and it belongs to the order Carnivora. All carnivores in the suborder Caniformia are thought to possess non-retractile claws and long snout. These animals are mostly found in the northern Eurasia and North America. Polar bears are assigned the Caniformia suborder because they have non-retractable claws as well as long snout. Other animals such as sea lions, seals, and walruses also fall into Caniformia. Cats on the other hand are feliformia. These animals are recognized by their longer jaws and they are specialized hunters just like polar bears.

    Family Ursidae

    Bears belong to the Ursidae family which includes dog-like carnivorans. Polar bear is the most carnivorous animal of Ursidae family whereas giant panda eats only bamboo. A family is a taxonomic classification of organism and it is one of the taxonomic ranks that falls between order and genus in the hierarchical classification.

    Genus Ursus

    The family Ursidae includes genus Ursus. Polar bears, black bears, and brown bears occur in the genus Ursus. The literal meaning of the word ursus in Latin is bear.

    Binomial/Scientific Name Ursus Maritimus

    The binomial name of polar bears is Ursus maritmus. The binomial nomenclature is another way or perhaps biological way of describing any living species into two parts. The binomial or scientific name is also known as Latin Name. In the scientific name of a polar bear the first part Ursus shows the genus to which the bear belongs whereas the second part makes it rather specific by naming species within the genus.

    Polar Bear Scientific Name – Video

  • Kodiak Bear vs Polar Bear – Kodiak Bear vs Polar Bear Size

    Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) and Kodiak bear (Ursus arctos middendorffi) are two different species not only in their diet, habitat, and distribution but also in their behavior. The only common trait between the two predators is their size. They are almost of the same size. Some scientists believe that polar bears are the largest land mammals living today others say that Kodiak bears supersede white bears in size. Either way both animals have long fascinated biologists for their super strength and ability to take down prey nearly the size of their own.

    Kodiak Bear vs Polar Bear Size Comparison

    Let us first study the size of Kodiak bear and a polar bear.

    Kodiak Bear Size

    Kodiak bears are the largest subspecies of brown bears. They had the skull size of about 78.1 cm (30.7 in).

    Adult Kodiak males weigh as much as 477–534 kg (1,052–1,177 lb) with the average weight of about 272 to 635 kg (600 to 1,400 lb). Mature males attain maximum weight of 680 kg (1,500 lb).

    Females range from 181 to 318 kg (399 to 701 lb) in weight. Like polar bears Kodiak females are 25% smaller than males.

    The average length in mature males is around 244 cm (8 ft 0 in) and the shoulder height is 133 cm (4 ft 4 in). Larger specimen is able to stand 1.5 m (4.9 ft) at the shoulder when it rests on four legs. However when the bear stands on her hind legs the height reaches up to 3 m (9.8 ft).

    Polar Bear Size

    Adult polar bear males weigh up to 350–700 kg (772–1,543 lb) with the total length measuring around 2.4–3 metres (7 ft 10 in–9 ft 10 in).

    Read More: How Tall is a Polar Bear Standing Up?

    Mature females average 150 – 250 kg (331–551 lb) in weight. She had a total length of 1.8–2.4 metres (5 ft 11 in–7 ft 10 in). They can attain the maximum weight of 500 kg (1,102 lb) during pregnancy.

    Males stand 122 to 160 cm (4 ft 0 in to 5 ft 3 in) at the shoulder height.

    kodiak bear vs polar bear
    A big Kodiak Bear. Photo by exploredia.

    Largest Kodiak Bear ever Recorded

    The largest wild Kodiak bear ever recorded weighs up to 751 kg (1,656 lb). This is the size of an adult male. It had the hind foot measured around 46 cm (18 in).

    The largest captive Kodiak bear ever recorded in Dakota Zoo in Bismarck, North Dakota. The bear weighed as much as 966 kg (2,130 lb) and it had a nickname The bear died in 1987.

    Largest Polar Bear ever Recorded

    The largest polar bear ever recorded at 1,002 kg (2,209 lb). The bear was shot in Kotzebue Sound in northwestern Alaska in 1960. It could reach the height of 3.39 m (11 ft 1 in) while standing on hind legs.
    Kodiak vs Polar Bear Color

    Kodiak bear are typically known for their blonde to orange hair color. The cubs have white ring around their neck which is quite visible in their initial years after birth. Polar bears have white hollow hair but the color of the coat turns yellowish during summer. Unlike Kodiak species white bears have black skin.

    Kodiak vs Polar Bear Habitat & Distribution

    The Kodiak brown bear occurs on the Kodiak Archipelago islands including Raspberry, Kodiak, Shuyak, Uganik, and Afognak islands. Polar bears inhabit the Arctic Circle as well as neighboring islands including Newfoundland but they are virtually dissimilar from Kodiak bears in their habitat and distribution.

    Kodiak vs Polar Bear Population

    The estimated population of Kodiak brown bears is just over 3,500 but the Endangered Species Act not yet listed it as endangered species. Polar bears on the other hand are far greater in numbers than the Kodiak species. There are more than 20,000 white bears living today.

    Kodiak vs Polar Bear Reproductive Behavior

    Both Kodiak bear and polar bear seem to show different behavioral traits in reproduction. The Kodiak bear female (sows) will reach the sexual maturity at 8 – 10 years age whereas the polar bear female begins to breed in 4 – 5 years.

    The mating and courtship season is nearly the same in both species. Kodiak bear mates in April to May while white bears in May to June.

    The average lifespan of both species is 20 years in the wild. The oldest Kodiak male bear died at 34 years age and the oldest polar bear died at 32 years age.

    Polar bears are polygynous in that the male is likely to mate with multiple females at a time. However each female polar bear will only mate with one male. The couple remains connected for a week. On the other hand Kodiak bears are seriously monogamous species. The male remains faithful to her female partner all her life which is probably one of the reasons as to why they have fewer numbers.

    Polar bear cubs and Kodiak bear cubs are born blind and helpless in dens. They are born in January or February. Both seem to give birth to 2 – 3 cubs. Polar cubs stay with their mother for 2 years whereas Kodiak cubs for 3 years.

    Read More: Polar Bear vs Grizzly Bear

    Kodiak vs Polar Bear Lifespan

    The average lifespan of both species is 20 years in the wild. The oldest Kodiak male bear died at 34 years age and the oldest polar bear died at 32 years age. The mortality rate is extremely high in the first two years of their birth.

    kodiak bear vs polar bear
    A big male polar bear. Kodiak bear vs polar bear. Photo by Mother Nature Network.

    Kodiak vs Polar Bear Behavior

    • While polar bears make dens on the sea ice Kodiak bears typically dens in the hill sides or mountains. Polar bears have one of the largest ranges of about 465,000 sq. kilometers. Kodiak brown bears have one of the smallest ranges of about 50 sq. mi (130 km2).
    • Like polar bears Kodiak bears also do not defend territories.
    • Kodiak bears are primarily diurnal like most other bears but they have become nocturnal due to the competition of food during the day. Polar bears become naturally active during the day.
    • Both are solitary in nature and they only meet during the mating season.
    • Polar bears are outstanding swimmers but Kodiak bears are not.
    • Kodiak and polar bears will avoid humans if possible. However a hungry polar bear will look at humans as a potential food source especially in summer when the food is scarce.

    Kodiak vs Polar Bear Feeding Habits

    Unlike polar bears Kodiak bears feed exclusively on salmon fish and also supplements her diet with a variety of vegetation. White bears are pure carnivores—in fact the most carnivorous of all bear species. While Kodiak bears rely on salmon fish polar bears rely on seals for their consumption.

    Kodiak vs Polar Bear Conservation Status

    Although fewer than 4,000 Kodiak bears are remaining in the wild yet they are not listed as endangered species. Polar bears are threatened in some of its isolated population but certainly not endangered.

    Kodiak Bear vs Polar Bear Video

  • Greenland Shark Eat Polar Bear

    The Greenland shark is one of the largest shark species reaching a length of about 21 to 24 feet and weighs up to 2,200 pounds. Scientists were surprised to discover that Greenland sharks eat polar bears. They found remnants of polar bears in one of the shark’s stomach which was quite astonishing. However they do not know if shark ate the dead carcass of a bear or she actually pursued the bear and killed it. Besides, the feeding behavior of a Greenland shark has been poorly studied.

    Greenland Shark Eat Polar Bear

    Greenland shark is also an apex predator but it has never been reported to kill such an unusual prey animal such as this. It might be possible that the shark consumed the polar bear cubs that drowned while swimming. Polar bear cubs are not expert swimmers but they remain close to their mother during swimming. The primary preys of Greenland shark are eels, cod, small sharks, herring, redfish, lumpfish, skates, and squid.

    Size and Weight

    Greenland sharks measure up to 6.4 m (21 ft) and 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) but the largest specimens grow as large as 1,400 kg (3,100 lb). Polar bears grow up to 350 – 700 kg. In Greenland sharks males are slightly smaller than the females whereas in polar bears males are twice the size of a female.

    Greenland Shark Behavior

    The Greenland shark is a deep water diver for it is found at a depth of about 2,200 meters (7,200 ft). Polar bears on the other hand dives in shallow water for they must come to the surface every one or two minutes to breathe.

    Polar bears can swim at a speed of about 10 km/h (6 mph) whereas Greenland shark cruises at 2.6 km/h (1.6 mph). The bear’s swimming speed is clearly ahead of a shark’s. Greenland shark cannot attain the given speed because this is the top speed. Sharks mostly cruise when they follow seals. The average speed of a Greenland shark is around 1.3 km/h.

    Greenland Shark Lifespan

    Greenland sharks are the longest living vertebrates on earth. Recent findings suggest that they can live 270 years to 512 years.

    The oldest polar bear died at the age of 42 years. The bear was bred in captivity. Bears have a typical lifespan of about 15 – 25 years. There is virtually no comparison between the two Greenland species—not at least in longevity.

    Conservation Status

    Polar bears are threatened in much of its range but Greenland sharks are listed as Near Threatened species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

  • Do Polar Bears and Penguins Live Together?

    Do you have any idea where do polar bears and penguins live? No! Polar bears and penguins live in absolutely different locations. Polar bears live in the Northern Hemisphere while penguins inhabit the Southern Hemisphere. They are far apart—living on the opposite ends. It is reasonable to believe that none of them ever saw the other in their native habitats. Possibility may exist that some polar bears migrate to the South Pole (since habitat conditions are almost the same) but no such movement has ever been reported. Let us study as if polar bears and penguins live in the same place.

    Do Polar Bears and Penguins Live Together?

    Penguins are flightless aquatic birds while polar bears are marine mammals but they do hunt on land. Polar bears live in the Arctic which is a polar region and it occurs at the northernmost tip of the earth. Penguins, on the contrary, live in the southernmost part of the earth, Antarctic.

    What if Polar Bears and Penguins Live Together?

    Should polar bears start living in the Antarctic no penguin would dare to survive because polar bears are land-based predators and also due to the fact that penguins are flightless birds. They cannot escape if they cannot fly—not at least from polar bears.

    But penguins are able to dive into the water. Well, let’s not forget that polar bears are outstanding swimmers too. They do it all too well as a matter of fact white bears spend half of their entire life in water. Had penguins been living in the Arctic or polar bears in the Antarctic the relationship between the two would be a predator-prey relationship. Thanks to nature that has kept both species apart and alive.

    Do Polar Bears and Penguins Live in the Same Place? – Video

  • Are Polar Bears Endangered? | Why are Polar Bears Endangered?

    Are Polar Bears Endangered? | Why are Polar Bears Endangered?

    No, polar bears are not endangered they are listed as Vulnerable species by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List. However it is more likely than not to occur that white bears fall into the category of endangerment. Scientists claim that polar bears face high risk of endangerment in the next 20 years or so possibly due to rapid climate change, human hunting, and scarcity of food. On the contrary recent findings show that the overall global population of polar bears has been stable. It clearly suggests the divided opinion of scientists on polar bear status.

    Are Polar Bears Endangered?

    Endangered species are those species that are likely to become extinct in the next few decades if the appropriate conservation efforts are not made. The status is defined by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Endangered species are listed on the Red List of IUCN.

    Why are Polar Bears not Endangered?

    Studies show that there is a slightest chance of polar bears getting extinct—not at least in the next 20 years. Thus they are not endangered. While many factors such as excessive hunting, harvesting, and climate change contribute towards polar bears future endangerment still the overall population is more than 20,000. The maximum population size is 25,000 which can qualify polar bears as vulnerable species but certainly not endangered animals.

    Why are Polar Bears going to be Endangered in 2030?

    Factors such as these are likely to change the polar bear’s conservation status in near future. We can probably imagine that polar bear may face rapid decline in her population given the climate continues to change; the habitat continues to be threatened, and the indigenous people continue to hunt polar bears.

    Read More: Are Polar Bears going Extinct?

    Climate Change/Global Warming

    The overall warming of the earth’s surface temperature has caused the Arctic sea ice to melt. As it turns out summers are longer than winter and bears are forced to stay on land more than ever. Unlike before, polar bears must learn to hunt land mammals which might be a tough ask since polar bears are marine mammals. They are adept to spend so much time in water; playing and hunting seals. Currently the survival on land is turning into a major challenge. If the global warming goes on with time then it can pose serious threats to the polar bear’s existence.

    Indigenous People Hunting

    The native people in Canada and Greenland are allowed to hunt polar bears because their living depends on it. They eat meat and they sell polar bear’s skin and coat in the village market. However villagers are not permitted to deal commercially outside the village. The legal hunting by the locals is going to hit the polar bears’ population in the years to come.

    Are Polar Bears Endangered? – Video