Hunting

Polar bears are mainly meat eaters. They must hunt for their food.

A polar bear is a very patient hunter. It can stand or sit and wait without moving beside a seal's breathing hole. With one swipe of its giant paw, it can lift the seal right out of the water.

A polar bear will also chase and catch seals and walrus before they have a chance to enter the water and escape.

A polar bear is at home in the water too. It is an excellent swimmer and can catch many different marine mammals such as seals, walrus and small whales.

A polar bear can smell baby seals hidden in dens called lairs under the snow. It will use its weight to break the roof of the lair and grab the seal underneath.