Polar Bear Facts
for Kids

Male polar bears are the largest land carnivores on Earth, typically weighing 350–700 kg (770–1,540 lb) and measuring 2.4–3 m (8–10 ft) from nose to tail. Females are roughly half the size, weighing 150–250 kg.

Polar bears are specialised carnivores that eat almost exclusively ringed and bearded seals. They hunt by waiting motionlessly at seal breathing holes in the ice (a technique called still-hunting) or stalking seals hauled out on the ice surface. On land during ice-free seasons they may eat berries, kelp, and carrion.

Unlike most bears, only pregnant female polar bears den and enter a form of hibernation (from November to March). Males and non-pregnant females remain active year-round. Denning females can go 7–8 months without eating, drinking, urinating, or defecating while nursing their cubs.

Polar bears are classified as Vulnerable, with a global population of approximately 26,000. Climate change is their most serious threat — as Arctic sea ice melts earlier and reforms later each year, polar bears have less time on the ice to hunt seals, leading to declining body condition and cub survival.

Polar bears are powerful swimmers capable of covering enormous distances. GPS tracking studies have recorded individual polar bears swimming continuously for over 9 days and covering more than 687 km (427 miles) across open water — though such long swims carry significant health costs.