Largest Land Carnivores: Polar bears are the largest land carnivores on Earth. Adult males can weigh up to 1,600 pounds and stand up to 10 feet tall when on their hind legs.
Black Skin: Underneath their thick fur, polar bears have black skin. This helps them absorb and retain heat from the sun, which is essential for staying warm in the Arctic climate.
Transparent Fur: Their fur isn't actually white; it’s transparent. Each hair is hollow and reflects light, which makes the polar bear appear white and helps it blend into its snowy environment.
Super Swimmers: Polar bears are excellent swimmers and can swim for long distances. They have been known to swim up to 60 miles without rest, and some have even been tracked swimming over 200 miles.
Incredible Sense of Smell: Polar bears have an extraordinary sense of smell. They can detect a seal nearly a mile away and can even sniff out prey under several feet of compacted snow and ice.
Adapted Paws: Their paws are uniquely adapted for life in the Arctic. The large size helps distribute their weight when walking on thin ice, and the rough pads and sharp claws provide traction and grip on the ice.
High-Fat Diet: Polar bears primarily eat seals, particularly the high-fat blubber, which provides the necessary calories to survive in the harsh Arctic environment. A polar bear's diet can consist of up to 70% fat.
Cubs Are Tiny: When polar bear cubs are born, they are incredibly small, weighing only about 1 pound. They stay in the den with their mother, nursing and growing, before emerging after a few months.