What Do Polar Bears Eat?

Polar bears are apex predators with a diet almost exclusively made up of seals, particularly ringed and bearded seals. They rely heavily on the rich fat content of seals to survive the harsh Arctic environment. Occasionally, polar bears will eat other marine mammals, birds, eggs, and even vegetation, but seals remain their primary and most nutritious prey.

Introducing the Polar Bear
Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are the largest land carnivores and iconic inhabitants of the Arctic region. They are perfectly adapted to life on sea ice, where they spend much of their time hunting seals. Their thick fur, insulating fat, and large paws make them efficient swimmers and hunters in freezing temperatures. Polar bears are solitary animals with vast home ranges, often following the seasonal movements of sea ice and seal populations.

Diet in the Wild
The polar bear’s diet centres on seals, which they hunt primarily by waiting at breathing holes or breaking through the ice to access pups in dens. Ringed seals are the most common prey, providing vital blubber packed with calories. Bearded seals, though larger and more challenging to catch, are also important sources of food.

Polar bears use their keen sense of smell to detect seals beneath the ice and rely on stealth and patience during hunting. Their powerful build allows them to drag heavy prey out of the water onto the ice.

Occasional Foods and Scavenging
While seals dominate their diet, polar bears are opportunistic and will scavenge carcasses of whales, walruses, or other marine mammals. They may also consume birds, eggs, small mammals and some vegetation such as berries and seaweed when other food is scarce, though these items provide far less energy.

Young polar bears learn to hunt seals from their mothers, refining their skills over several years. Starvation can occur during periods of sea ice retreat when access to seals becomes limited.

Seasonal and Environmental Influences
Polar bear feeding success is closely tied to sea ice conditions. In winter and spring, when ice coverage is extensive, seals are abundant and accessible. In summer, as ice melts, polar bears may fast or rely on limited terrestrial food sources.

Climate change poses severe threats by reducing sea ice habitat, forcing bears to travel farther and expend more energy to find food.

Feeding Behaviour and Adaptations
Polar bears have evolved a specialised hunting technique, known as still-hunting, where they wait silently by seal breathing holes for hours. They also stalk seals resting on the ice or break into dens to catch pups. Their high-fat diet supports insulation and energy needs in freezing temperatures.

Polar bears can consume up to 20 per cent of their body weight in one feeding but may go several days without food.

Conservation and Challenges
Polar bears are classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss from global warming. Protecting sea ice and managing human-bear conflicts are critical conservation priorities. Monitoring bear health and populations helps assess impacts of environmental change.

Interesting Polar Bear Facts
Polar bears have black skin beneath their white fur, which helps absorb heat. They can smell seals nearly a mile away and beneath several feet of snow. Despite their size, they are excellent swimmers, covering long distances in icy waters.

Cultural Significance
Polar bears hold important cultural roles for Arctic Indigenous peoples, symbolising strength and survival. They also inspire global concern for climate change and wildlife conservation.

Common Questions About Polar Bear Diet
People often ask if polar bears eat fish; fish are rarely eaten due to low fat content. Another question is whether polar bears hibernate; unlike other bears, they enter a state of walking hibernation when food is scarce but remain active.

Conclusion
Polar bears are specialised carnivores relying mainly on seals for sustenance. Their survival depends on healthy sea ice ecosystems that support abundant prey. Understanding their diet and threats helps inform conservation efforts to protect these majestic Arctic predators in a rapidly changing world.