A Bearful Story To Tell

 

  

“There is something noble about this big beast, something that suggests a glimmer of human feeling.” - Ernest Hemingway

How much do you know about them?

As we all know, the polar bear is one of the many animals in danger of extinction. Scientists think they may disappear before 2100 due to serious environmental threats, such as global warming and pollution, which are limiting their chances of survival. Climate change is leading to the rapid melting of their natural habitat, which is forcing them to move (changing their habits and lifestyles) and reducing their hunting space. Furthermore, the large quantity of microplastics present in the Arctic (4.5 million per cubic meter) is making these animals ill as they ingest loads of toxic chemicals contained within the Arctic food chain. I could stay here and write pages and pages on the negative effects caused by human action on flora and fauna, but this article will only tell curiosities about polar bears that will make you love them!

The polar bear, also known as the white bear, scientifically called Ursus maritimus, and considered king of the Arctic, is the largest land carnivore existing on our planet. The north pole is its habitat: Alaska, Russia, Greenland, Svalbard Islands and Canada. Polar bears are divided into 19 subpopulations, for a total of approximately 20,000 individuals. They mainly eat seals, they measure about 3 meters in length and can weigh up to 800kg. What I’ve said so far are things that most of us already knew, so…. Here are 5 facts about polar bears that will blow your mind.

Coat

What is the main distinguishing feature of polar bears? Well, their majestic and pure white coat obviously. But, is it really white? I know this might be shocking news, but no, polar bear fur is not white. Their long and coarse hairs are hollow and transparent, and appear white only because they reflect visible light. Unlike what we may think, the main function of their thick and apparently soft fur is not to keep warm, but to camouflage. It’s therefore essential that it remains clean, to resemble as much as possible the silky shiny white arctic snow. These beautiful mammals carefully take care of their fur, always keeping it clean by rolling in the snow or taking a bath. In addition to camouflage, a healthy and dirt-free coat is essential for regulating body temperature, controlling parasites and removing dead skin cells. Another interesting little piece of information...the skin of polar bears is black, sometimes more than 11 cm thick and covered with hair up to 15 cm long. This is really cool, isn’t it?

How hard it is to be a mother bear!

In the animal kingdom the role of the mother varies from species to species: there are some who only generate without worrying about the well-being of their offspring, and others who would do anything for their young, just like us humans. I don't know how you would describe your mothers, but mine is definitely a "mama bear", and here's why:

By reading "mama bear" we all imagine a stern, ferocious, overprotective mother, just exactly like polar bears. However, many don’t know that the Queens of the Arctic are among the most tender-hearted mammals on the entire planet. White bear cubs are born in the winter season, in pairs or triplets, blind, hairless, and weighing less than 500 grams. For their babies, polar bear mothers build igloo-shaped dens, breastfeed for three years, hunt for miles for the best meat, and sometimes fast for months. Every day with lots of love and patience they raise their little ones: they play, cuddle, teach them to swim, hunt and defend themselves. They would fight like hell to protect their cubs, there’s no easier way to make a mother bear angry than to harm her babies.

Do you know who Nanook is?

Although the name might make you think of a character from a manga series, Nanook only means polar bear in the Inuit language. But what's special then? Well…Nanook is not just a term, but a deity of extreme importance in Inuit culture and religion. It’s the most intelligent animal in the Arctic, a symbol of resilience, patience and determination. He is the leader of the bears, punisher of hunters who violate taboos and the one who blesses the worthy. According to the myth, Nanook is powerful and capable of resembling a human being as he can stand upright.

Incredible swimmers

Do you consider yourself good swimmers? If so, then you’ll probably change your mind after reading what I'm about to say. Polar bears are the best swimmers among land mammals, with an average speed in water of 15 km/h. They can swim constantly for days at a time, traveling hundreds of kilometers without stopping. They swim in a dog-paddle style, using their front legs to propel themselves and their back legs to guide their direction, like "rudders". Despite being excellent swimmers, they are unable to dive to great depths (no more than 10m) because they hold their breath for only about 2 minutes.

Hibernation

What's interesting to read about hibernation? Absolutely nothing you might think. When we were little we were taught that every bear hibernates at the beginning of the winter season due to the cold and lack of food, and that awakening occurs in the spring after a deep sleep.

If you are still stuck with this idea then…hold on tight because what you are about to discover may be shocking. Guess which is the only bear that doesn't hibernate? Correct, the polar bear! During the winter the ice surface, its hunting territory, is larger and thicker. So… winter is the perfect time to hunt and not sleep!

Conclusion

There are still dozens of incredible curiosities to say about polar bears (like their ability to smell their prey from several kilometers away, or the existence of a hybrid between them and the grizzlies called "grolar or pizzly bear”…), but this is already too long an article but it is, unfortunately, still too short to contain them all. What I hope after writing this post is not only to have made you fall in love with polar bears, but to have made you aware that these wonderful and unique creatures do not deserve to suffer and face extinction.

February 27th is International Polar Bear Day, created in 2005 by a group of environmentalists and scientists with the aim of raising awareness and trying to save this species.

What can we do to help?

In addition to the usual things to reduce global warming and pollution, making a donation to the WWF or other non-profit associations that are mobilizing for the protection and sustenance of this wonderful white giant.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE

Today’s Blogger

Hi everyone, for those who don't know me yet, I'm Marina Lostun, and I'm a student at the Braschi-Qurenghi high school. This bio is too short to contain all my interests, so, dear readers, you will discover them all gradually by reading my articles and posts. However, although I really like the idea of leaving you hanging, for now, know that I love travelling, nature and helping others.