Polar Bear: where and when to see them

The polar bear is a marine mammal whose life is closely connected to Arctic sea ice. It is the largest living bear on average, with males substantially heavier than females. Dense fur, a thick fat layer and broad paws help it function in cold environments. Although bears sometimes rest or travel on land, productive sea ice provides crucial access to seals, making habitat loss from warming a central conservation concern.

Size

1.8–2.6 m body length

Weight

150–600 kg

Lifespan

15–25 years

Status

Vulnerable

Polar bears range widely and are usually solitary outside mating, maternal families or temporary feeding aggregations. They conserve energy by resting and walking steadily across ice or coastlines. Hunting often involves waiting near seal breathing holes or approaching seals resting on ice. Pregnant females enter maternity dens, where exceptionally small cubs are born. Other bears generally do not undergo the prolonged winter dormancy typical of many brown bear populations. Polar bears possess an exceptional sense of smell, capable of detecting seals under a meter of snow and ice from several kilometers away. When moving across open water, they are strong swimmers, using their large front paws for propulsion and hind legs as rudders. Mating typically occurs in spring, and the female usually gives birth to one to three cubs in a snow den between November and January.

• Polar bears have dark skin beneath their pale fur.
• Their foot soles carry fur and small textured structures that improve traction.
• Cubs are born in sheltered maternity dens.
• The species is classified as a marine mammal because of its dependence on the ocean ecosystem.

Practical viewing windows vary greatly across the Arctic and depend on ice, daylight and regulations. Around Svalbard, late spring and summer support many vessel-based journeys. Elsewhere, seasonal coastal concentrations follow local ice cycles, so no single Arctic-wide month range is biologically defensible. In areas like Svalbard, 24-hour daylight during the summer months allows for extended viewing opportunities. Vessel-based expeditions often follow the ice edge, where bears are more likely to be found hunting seals. Always consult local expedition guides for the most current information on viewing conditions and ethical practices.

The species occupies the circumpolar Arctic, especially sea ice over productive continental shelves. Coasts and islands provide resting ground, travel routes and denning areas. In Norway, natural occurrence is associated with Svalbard and surrounding Arctic waters, not ordinary mainland Norwegian coastal tourism. As an apex predator, polar bears require a healthy marine ecosystem, particularly a robust seal population, to thrive. They are highly adapted to life in cold, icy environments, possessing a thick layer of blubber and a dense fur coat for insulation. The loss of sea ice due to climate change is a primary threat, impacting their hunting grounds and migration routes.

Seals, especially ringed and bearded seals, provide the principal energy-rich food. Bears preferentially consume fat when prey is plentiful. They also scavenge marine mammal carcasses and occasionally take other foods, but most terrestrial alternatives cannot replace reliable access to seal hunting habitat. Despite their carnivorous nature, polar bears have been observed to consume berries and kelp opportunistically during summer months, though these items do not provide sufficient nutritional value. Cubs are weaned at approximately two and a half years old, and during this period, mothers prioritize teaching hunting skills. Specialized teeth and strong jaws are adapted for tearing flesh and crushing bone.

Common name

Polar Bear

Scientific name

Ursus maritimus

Animal group

Mammals

Size

1.8–2.6 m body length

Weight

150–600 kg

Lifespan

15–25 years

Status

Vulnerable

Identification

Its long neck, relatively narrow head, white-to-yellowish coat and lack of a pronounced shoulder hump distinguish it from a pale brown bear. Adult male polar bears are significantly larger than females, often weighing more than double, and can stand over 3 meters tall on their hind legs. Their small, rounded ears and short tail help minimize heat loss in their extreme environment. The black nose and pads of their paws are visible contrasting features against their white fur.