15 Fun Facts About Polar Bears
- spencer655
- May 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 5
Polar bears are some of the most fascinating animals on Earth. These massive mammals live in icy environments, swim like pros, and have some surprising traits that make them perfectly suited for their cold homes. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or just a curious animal lover—these facts will make you appreciate the power and beauty of the polar bear.
Why Are Polar Bears White?
Polar bears look white, but their fur is actually transparent. The hair reflects visible light, making them appear white—perfect camouflage in snowy and icy environments. Underneath all that fur? Their skin is black, which helps absorb heat from the sun to keep them warm!
15 Fun Facts About Polar Bears
They’re marine mammals.
Like whales and seals, polar bears are considered marine mammals because they spend most of their time on sea ice and in the water.
They’re great swimmers.
Polar bears can swim for days at a time. Some have been recorded swimming over 60 miles without rest.
They use ice like a highway.
Polar bears travel long distances on sea ice to hunt seals, their favorite food.
Their favorite snack? Seals.
Especially ringed seals and bearded seals. They wait near breathing holes to catch them.
They can weigh up to 1,600 pounds.
Adult males are especially large and can stand over 10 feet tall on their hind legs.
Cubs stay with mom for 2–3 years.
Polar bear moms are incredibly protective and teach their cubs how to hunt and survive.
They have a strong sense of smell.
A polar bear can smell a seal from over a mile away—even through thick ice!
Their paws are built for ice.
Large, wide paws help distribute their weight on thin ice and work like paddles in water.
They don’t hibernate like other bears.
Only pregnant females den during the winter. Others stay active year-round.
They’re nearly invisible to infrared cameras.
Thanks to their thick fur and fat, they don’t give off much body heat.
They have 42 teeth.
Just like a lion, polar bears have a mouth full of sharp teeth made for tearing meat.
They shake off water like dogs.
After a swim, they shake themselves dry to keep their fur fluffy and warm.
They can overheat.
Even in the Arctic, running too much or staying in the sun can make them too warm.
They’re not truly white.
Their fur is clear and their skin is black—great for blending in and staying warm.
They’re the only bear species that’s almost completely carnivorous.
While other bears eat plants and insects too, polar bears rely almost entirely on meat.
Are Polar Bears Arctic or Antarctic?
Polar bears are Arctic animals. They live in the northern parts of the world like Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Norway, and Russia.
You will never find a polar bear in the Antarctic—that’s the home of penguins!
Are Polar Bears the Biggest Bear?
Yes! Polar bears are considered the largest bear species on Earth. Males typically weigh between 900–1,600 pounds, sometimes more. While Kodiak bears (a type of brown bear in Alaska) can be similarly large, polar bears win the size contest on average.
Would a Polar Bear Beat a Grizzly Bear?
It depends—but most scientists agree that in a one-on-one face-off, a polar bear would likely win due to its larger size, stronger bite, and greater reach. However, grizzly bears are fierce fighters and not an easy match for anyone. Luckily, these two don’t meet in the wild (except in parts of Canada where “grolar bears” have been spotted—yes, that’s a real hybrid).
Polar bears are more than just symbols of the Arctic—they’re incredible survivors with unique adaptations. Teaching students about animals like polar bears helps them connect with the natural world and inspires curiosity about science, geography, and climate.
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