Polar bears are the largest land carnivores and are classified as marine mammals because they spend most of their lives on Arctic sea ice. Though they appear white, their fur is actually transparent and hollow, covering jet-black skin that absorbs heat. They have an incredible sense of smell, capable of detecting seals more than 20 miles away.
Here are some fun facts about polar bears:
- Surprising skin: Beneath all that thick fur, polar bears have jet-black skin.
- Transparent Fur: Their fur is not actually white; each hair shaft is transparent and hollow, scattering light to appear white.
- Marine Mammals: They are considered marine mammals because they depend on the ocean and sea ice for survival. Their scientific name, Ursus maritimus, means “sea bear.”
- Super Swimmers: Polar bears can swim at speeds of 6 mph and can travel for days, with one tracked swimming over 60 miles without stopping.
- No Hibernation: Unlike other bears, polar bears do not hibernate; pregnant females den during winter.
- Massive Appetite: They can eat more than 100 pounds of blubber in one sitting.
- Natural Snowshoes: Their paws are huge (up to 12 inches across) to distribute weight while walking on thin ice and are covered in small bumps for traction.
- Unique Whiskers: Scientists can tell individual polar bears apart by their unique whisker patterns, similar to human fingerprints.
- No Natural Enemies: Aside from humans, adult polar bears have no natural predators.
