Alaska Polar Bear

Alaska Polar Bear is quite a common phrase in America, since Polar Bears are found in large numbers in Alaska. These large animals are found in many places around the North Pole, particularly in North America, northern Europe, Greenland and Russia. Since there are less than 25,000 wild Polar Bears left, they have been listed as threatened in 2008. Main threats for these animals come from rapid climate change resulting in promptly changing preying conditions. This has lead to poor nutrition and increased infant mortality rate, which has grown by around 15 per cent compared to 15 years ago.

Since there is too little vegetation found in Arctic regions, Polar Bears feed mostly on animals (seals, deer, beluga whale, etc.) Polar Bears are notoriously inquisitive about human expeditions in these areas. They are known to have turned whole camp-out settlements upside down in search for food. Many people consider them to be the most dangerous of all bear species. Alaska Polar Bears, as well as those found in other areas, are great swimmers. They have large oar-shaped front feet, elongated head and long necks, which facilitate swimming. They have a very thick water-repellent coat. The coat consists of a very dense underfur and translucent guard hairs. Polar Bears have a thick blubber, which, coupled with the fur, provides superb insulation and allows them to survive weather extremities.

Polar Bears are genetically related to Brown Bears, and can interbreed with them. As they evolved separately, Polar Bears developed several adaptations that help them survive Arctic conditions. They have stockier legs with larger paw pads featuring shorter and thicker claws. Paw pads feature tiny papillae for safer and more convenient movement on the ice. Alaska Polar Bears, as well as those belonging to other population groups, have an acute sense of smell enabling them to track prey about a mile away and hidden deep in the snow. They also have a good vision and are very intelligent.

Polar Bears start mating in spring, but pregnancy begins by August or September. After mating, females start taking tremendous amounts of food in order to store up nutrients and energy for the young. Females build so called “maternity dens” consisting of several chambers and there they fall into a dormant state. Young are usually born around December to January. Litters contain 1-2 cubs, and they are born blind and very small, weighing only about 2 pounds. As cubs grow, they begin to get out of the den, still staying close to it. Cubs are vulnerable to attacks by wolves, so they need protection of their mother. Alaska Polar Bears reach sexual maturity at 4 (females) and six (males) years old, and their life span averages 20-25 years.