In the Arctic, temperatures can plunge to -40° or -46 C (-50 F) in winter and stay that way for days or weeks. But polar bears are built for those conditions. A thick layer of fat is key to their survival. Polar bears rely on a diet of seal blubber to build up their own fat stores. The seal’s thick fat layer makes the polar bear possible. Studies show that even the size and structural integrity of the polar bear’s skull and teeth are adapted to surviving on soft blubber and flesh. Learn more about why polar bears can’t survive long-term on terrestrial foods in our link in bio ⬆️ #polarbear #polarbears #polarbearsofinstagram #biology #bearfacts #wildlifeconservation #wildlifebehavior

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1天前

A polar bear’s fur is one of the many adaptations that help it thrive in the frigid Arctic. In fact, it keeps them so warm that adult males can quickly overheat when they run. Watch the video and learn more about polar bears’ fur in our link in bio ⬆️ #polarbear #polarbears #wildlifeconservation #wildlifelovers #adaptation #arcticanimals #polarbearsofinstagram

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3天前

Polar bears are superbly adapted to the Arctic and are a vital part of this fragile ecosystem. Their Latin name means “sea bear.” Learn more about the name and evolution of polar bears here, and stay tuned to find out how their bodies are perfectly adapted to life in the Arctic. Link in bio ⬆️ #polarbear #polarbears #polarbearsofinstagram #wildlifelovers #evolution #wildlifereels #wildlifeeducation

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4天前

Spring and summer are important feasting times for polar bears—especially for mating females, who have to store enough fat to be able to have cubs in the fall. Learn more about the amazing breeding behavior of polar bears in our link in bio ⬆️ #polarbear #polarbears #matingseason #wildlifeconservation #wildlifeaddicts #protectthearctic #polarbearsofinstagram

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8天前

Polar bears have a polygynous mating system, which means that males will mate with multiple females and that their mating system is driven by sexual competition between males. Males and females are also different sizes—a male can be 2-3 times the size of a female. For male polar bears, age is the most important factor in their ability to access females. This is likely because age is closely tied to body size, and we can assume it is also tied to their ability to compete against other males. Learn more in our link in bio ⬆️ This footage was taken during fall in Churchill, Manitoba. While males wait on land for the return of the Hudson Bay sea ice each fall, they will play fight, or spar, to test their strength against other males, in preparation for the true competition in spring. #polarbear #polarbears #matingseason #polarbearsofinstagram #wildlife #wildlifereels #wildlifelovers

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9天前

Spring means mating season for polar bears! Most adult females keep their cubs with them for 2 ½ years. Thus, on average, in most years, only about a third of the adult females are even available for breeding. Consequently, adult male polar bears are tasked with locating females that might be available to breed, but range at low densities over vast areas of sea ice. Males may travel long distances in search of a mate, pausing only to carefully sniff the tracks of any bears they cross in their travels. This is because adult females appear to have glands in their paws that leave a chemical scent capable of informing an adult male that she is potentially available for breeding. When a male detects such a track, he immediately starts following the female until he catches up. Learn more about polar bear mating season in our link in bio ⬆️ #polarbear #polarbears #matingseason #wildlifeconservation #polarbearsofinstagram #wildlifeplanet #wildlifeaddicts

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10天前

Join us for a special webinar: U.S. politics and polar bears 🐻‍❄️ Recent policy developments in the U.S. are already having consequences for polar bears. Please join us for a special webinar with our team this Thursday where we’ll share insights on the changes we’re watching and what it means for polar bears and their Arctic home. Thursday, May 22, 3pm MT / 5pm ET Register in our link in bio ⬆ 📷: © BJ Kirschhoffer / polarbearsinternational.org #polarbear #polarbears #wildlifeconservation #polarbearsofinstagram

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12天前

Sunday snuggles 💙 📷: © BJ Kirschhoffer / polarbearsinternational.org #polarbear #polarbears #wildlifeconservation #wildlifeplanet #wildlifelovers #polarbearsofinstagram

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13天前

It’s tough to be a polar bear mom, especially in a melting Arctic. The story of Violet, a polar bear mom in Svalbard that researchers have been tracking, highlights the struggle of raising cubs in a changing environment. However, we have a great update to share: Violet was last seen in early 2024 on one of our den cams from our maternal den study emerging with three young cubs. Researchers confirmed she was seen again last month with two healthy yearlings—her first cubs to reach yearling age in at least three litters. Her last successful litter had been in 2016. While her cubs still have many hurdles on their way to adulthood, we’re thrilled they have overcome some major ones thus far. Watch Violet’s story here or on our YouTube channel, link in bio ⬆ #polarbear #polarbears #polarbearsinternational #wildlifeconservation #wildlifeplanet

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16天前