About Polar Bears

I love polar bears. They are intrinsically associated with survival under the harshest conditions. How do they manage it? Here are some interesting facts you may not have known:

• Polar bears fur coat isn’t white. It’s specialized for insulation and consists of two transparent layers: a dense underfur close to the skin and an outer layer of longer guard hairs. These guard hairs are hollow and not only help to trap air for insulation but also reflect visible light, which makes the fur appear white. This trapped air layer helps to keep the polar bear warm in the frigid Arctic temperatures. Additionally, the fur’s structure allows it to absorb infrared radiation, which further aids in heat retention. AND, the bear’s skin is black, which absorbs and holds the sun’s warmth. The combination of these features provides the polar bear with an effective insulator against the cold.

• Another adaptation to keep warm in freezing Arctic temperatures is a layer of blubber that can measure up to 5 or 6 inches in thickness. This blubber serves as an insulating barrier, helping the bears retain body heat in the frigid climate. It also serves as an efficient energy storage system, providing a reserve of fuel when food is scarce.

• Polar bears have a layer of fur on the bottom of their paws. This unique adaptation helps provide traction on the slippery ice, helping them move with ease across their frozen habitat. The fur on their paws acts like a built-in pair of non-slip socks, ensuring a secure grip even on ice that would be dangerous for other animals.

• The scientific name for the polar bear is “Ursus maritimus,” which means “maritime bear.” This name perfectly reflects their affinity for life on the sea ice. These bears spend most of their time in and around the Arctic waters, relying on the ice as a platform for hunting, resting, and traveling. They’re also underwater athletes. They swim effortlessly through icy waters, covering up to 100 miles without a break.

• Polar bears are the largest land predators on Earth. Males can grow to be up to 10 feet tall when standing on their hind legs and weigh an astonishing 1,500 pounds. Their massive size and immense strength make them fantastic hunters, capable of taking down large prey and defending their territories against other bears.

• Did you know every polar bear’s nose print is unique, just like a human fingerprint? This characteristic allows researchers to identify and track individual bears. By examining nose prints, scientists can gather vital information about the movements, behavior, and population size of polar bears, aiding conservation efforts and ensuring their long-term survival.

There are more interesting facts about polar bears available in books and articles. In the beautiful book “Artic Dreams” by Barry Lopez, the fifth chapter, titled “Tornarssuk”, details polar bear characteristics as observed in their natural habitat. Lopez is an eloquent writer, and you’ll come away with greater respect and admiration for these artic animals.

I'll be adding paintings of polar bears and products with those images soon.

Below is a short video I created about climate change and polar bears.