Polar Bears

Fun fact: A Polar Bear’s skin is actually black under its fur. Don’t say you never learned anything here.

Polar bears are the largest carnivorous land mammals on the earth, and inhabit the far northern Arctic ice sheets. Because they live in one of the world’s most frigid environments, they rely on a thick coat of fur and an ample layer of fat to keep them warm. Their winter white coat, which is actually composed of clear hairs, enables them to camouflage with their snowy surroundings. Except for their nose..

Polar Bears stalk the edges of ice sheets and breathing holes for seals, their favorite prey. In the summer, when much of the sea ice melts and prey is harder to find, the bears will live off of their fat reserves or take to scavenging. They will eat anything in a pinch, including whale carcasses, fish, birds’ eggs, and even human garbage.

Females give birth in the winter, usually to twins, and will fiercely protect their young until they reach maturity. Aside from the female's gestation and birthing period, these enormous creatures are active year round. Other than humans, they have no natural predators, but are considered a threatened species due to global warming and habitat destruction.

Glimpsing these giant, solitary animals is an awe-inspiring adventure of a lifetime and a great opportunity to keep cool whenever you choose to visit them.

Making it Happen

If you really want to get a good glimpse of the bears, head to Churchill, Canada where the polar bears gather each fall on the shores of the Hudson Bay. They are waiting for it to freeze so they can head north to their hunting grounds. Another great spot is the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. In fact, you probably have a better chance of spotting bears here than other humans!