Polar bears’ diet and feeding habits are adjusted to the extremely cold conditions. Continue reading to learn about their Arctic menu and diet, hunting techniques, and the critical role of seals in their survival.
The polar bear’s diet is predominantly carnivorous. Over 95% of their food intake is seals, which are vital for survival.
Ringed seals are the most important prey species for polar bears and are like the hamburger of the Arctic for polar bears. Moreover, they are easily accessible through breathing holes in the sea ice.
Bearded seals are larger and fattier than ringed seals and provide substantial meat and blubber. Polar bears often prey on bearded seals when they are hauled out on the ice.
Harp seals are a seasonal prey source for polar bears. They are typically found further offshore, and polar bears usually hunt them during migrations.
Polar bears are real ninjas of the Arctic, employing the following hunting techniques to catch their prey:
1.Still-Hunting:
This is one of the polar bear's most common hunting techniques. They crouch motionless beside a hole in the ice, with their entire being focused on the moment a seal pops up for air. When a seal surfaces to breathe, it lunges and grabs the seal with its powerful forelimbs.2. Stalking:
Have you ever tried sneaking up on someone to scare them? Now imagine doing it on a field of cracking ice. Polar bears use snow drifts and ice ridges like natural camo, all to get within striking distance of an unsuspecting seal.3. Swimming and Pursuit:
: Polar bears are adept swimmers who cover significant water distances. They may swim after seals or use ice floes as platforms to ambush seals when they surface.4. Scavenging:
Polar bears also feed on marine mammals' carcasses, such as dead whales or seals. They also scavenge on the remains of seals hunted by subsistence hunters in the Arctic.Polar bears are highly efficient predators and mindful eaters, making the most of their hard-earned kills. They employ the following strategies to maximize their food intake and energy conservation:
While polar bears are well-adapted to their Arctic diet and feeding habits, they face various challenges due to climate change. The ice is melting, and time is running out. Conservation efforts and protecting critical polar bear habitats are essential to ensuring the survival of these magnificent apex predators.
So, the next time you hear about the Arctic melting, think of the polar bear’s challenges in finding a decent meal. Without action to combat climate change and protect polar bear habitats, these iconic symbols of the Arctic face an uncertain future. Let's make a change together—because every polar bear deserves a meal, and every meal tells a story of survival.
© 2022, POLAR BEARS
