The polar bear is a majestic animal, often misunderstood but a popular attraction at the zoo nonetheless. Its massive size, huge paws with sharp claws, and thick, shaggy white fur make it quite a sight to see.

Although polar bear cubs look soft and cuddly, make no mistake; even these youngsters are avid and lethal predators.

You may wish to find out more about these magnificent mammals. We have provided a list of frequently asked questions about polar bears along with the answers here.

How Big Are Polar Bears?

Polar bears can weigh anywhere from 352 to 680 kg and have been measured from two to three meters in length. Females are generally half the size of their larger male counterparts, the largest to date of which weighed in at 1,002 kg.

Their huge paws can measure up to 30 cm across the pad. Polar bear tails average anywhere from seven to 12 cm long. A layer of fat measuring up to 11 cm deep and two coats of fur add to the animal’s bulk.

How Fast are Polar Bears?

These huge mammals can swim at about 9.7 kph and usually walk at a pace of 5.5 kph. The maximum recorded speed when running was clocked at 40 kph.

What Colour is the Polar Bear’s Skin?

Surprisingly, beneath all that white fur is a very dark layer of skin. The polar bear’s tongue is also dark blue or black.

How Do Polar Bears Stay Warm?

The polar bear enjoys some very unique body features that evolved from Pleistocene-era brown bears. They are able to retain heat due to such things as a thick layer of fat, two layers of heavy, water-repellent fur, and black skin that absorbs the sun’s rays.

Their bodies are so efficient at staying warm polar bears must move slowly to avoid overheating.

How Do They Walk Across Snow and Ice?

Even with their enormous weight, polar bears are able to walk across ice and crusty snow without breaking through. This is due to their huge paws which evenly distribute the animal’s weight, much like snowshoes. Their pads are covered with papillae, little feelers that create friction on the ice to keep them from slipping and sliding.

Polar bears are fascinating creatures that have evolved over time to be one of the few forms of wildlife to thrive in the extremely low temperatures of the Arctic. Currently considered a Threatened Species, we must do all we can to stop global warming and ensure that polar bears survive for generations to come.

Find out more about the impact that global warming is having and the polar bear conservation efforts.