I am presenting to you one of the most vicious animals of the polar regions, the polar bear. They feed on marine animals, such as seals and fish. Polar Bears are an important part of the Arctic ecosystem.Where polar bears live
Polar bears live at the North Pole. They survive in temperatures hard for a human person to live and like it for a long time. In the far north most temperatures fall around 50F to 40F. In January and February the temperature is around -26F.
Polar bears hardly come on land. They stop on ice islands in the cold blue ocean. Their white coat makes them blend right in with the white snow that is all round their environment.
Their Prey
Polar bears have got to eat a lot to make sure they don't freeze. They have to keep blubber on to protect them from the cold and from the icy water. They have 4. 5 inches of thick blubber. In order to keep the fat on, they need to eat and hunt their food most of the day. They mostly like to feed on ringed seals. They wait around breathing holes for a seal to pop up. The seal must come up for air sooner or later . When they do the bear hits them with its paw and pulls the seal out.
Cubs
In November, the female bear, soon to mother, starts to dig a den in the snow. She will stay there until Spring. Then she will come out with 1 or 2 cubs. The cubs will remain at her side until they learn everything that the mother has to teach them. Then, in 2 and a half years, they survive on their own. You may find the male in the den for a short time and may be wandering outside the den at any time of the year.
A Few Facts
Did you know that one single bear can weigh up to a 1,000 pounds!! It is hard to spot a polar bear in the snow because their white fur they are camouflage. This also helps them stalk their prey. They also can communicate with other bears or cubs through body language. A deep growl serves as a warning to other bears in the area.
Back to Animals in the Snow
Blair Elementary School, 1000 Fairchild Hwy., Fairchild AFB, WA 99011, mhendri@mlsd.org
