Polar bears are shallow divers and they swim in a dog-paddle style. Thanks to its forepaws which serve as propeller and push the animal through water to give it speed. The bear gets the buoyancy from her body fat which she gathers by eating a lot of seals. Bear’s forepaws are extremely helpful in paddling underwater without which the animal would not swim as much.
Arctic bears can gain a speed of 10 kilometers per hour. Polar bears have large feet so that they do not only spread the animal’s weight (during walk) but also offers propulsion during swimming. The feet of a polar bear measure up to 30 cm (12 in) across. They close their nostrils when they dive into the water.
Culture du Dorset moyen
Site d’Alamek, région d’Iglulik, Canada
Ivoire sculpté
Canadian museum of civilization, Gatineau
dans l’exposition Upside down, Les Arctiques
Musée du Quai Branly
