A Terrifyingly Close Encounter With a Massive Polar Bear

Polar bears are uniquely adapted to survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. These majestic animals are beautiful, and let’s face it, their cuddly cubs are undeniably adorable. But polar bears are also dangerous animals and are much larger, faster, and stronger than humans. Some people even claim that polar bears hunt humans, but is this really true? What would you do if you encountered a polar bear in the wild?

How Big Are Polar Bears?

Polar bears are the largest bear species on Earth. Adult females usually weigh between 400 and 700 pounds, but some can reach up to 1,000 pounds. Adult males are even bigger, weighing 600 to 1,200 pounds on average. Some particularly massive polar bears can even weigh over 1,700 pounds. A polar bear’s weight changes drastically throughout the year.

At the start of the hunting season, they are usually at their lightest. By the end, they can weigh up to 50% more!

Where Do Polar Bears Live?

Polar bears rely on sea ice for their survival. They live in areas north of the Arctic Circle, including Greenland, Canada, Alaska, Russia, and parts of northern Norway. In these areas, they are at the very top of the food chain, with their main threats being other polar bears and traditional hunting by locals. However, climate change has become the biggest threat to their survival in recent decades.

Polar bears are excellent swimmers, but they need stable sea ice to hunt. Climate change is causing the Arctic to warm four times faster than the rest of the world, resulting in a considerable loss of sea ice. This makes it much harder for polar bears to find food. They are carnivores and mainly hunt seals, waiting for them to surface at breathing holes in the ice. They also occasionally hunt walruses and scavenge from whale carcasses. But without enough sea ice, the bears struggle to catch seals and get enough food. As a result, polar bears are listed as a threatened species with an uncertain future.

Do Polar Bears Attack Humans?

Polar bears rarely attack humans. Researchers reviewed polar bear attacks beginning in the 1870s and found most bears involved were thin and likely starving, suggesting they attacked out of desperation. This is especially true when there is less sea ice available for the bears, as they must spend more time on land, bringing them closer to humans. Because these bears are often already hungry, there’s a slightly higher risk that they will attack a human. But even so, attacks are still extremely rare.

However, experts are concerned that as climate change continues and sea ice disappears, conflicts between humans and polar bears could potentially increase.

Encountering a Polar Bear

Believe it or not, many people live just fine within polar bear territory. Residents in Churchill, Canada, for example, coexist successfully with polar bears that often pass right through the town! However, this is only accomplished through respect for the animals, education, and preparation.

In this YouTube video, a polar bear curiously sniffs at a camera and human mere inches from its face. Although the clip may be entertaining to watch, it is a very good example of what not to do in the presence of a polar bear. You should always stay aware and vigilant when in polar bear territory, and never approach a bear, no matter how cute and curious they may appear. Carry bear spray or other deterrents, just in case.

If you encounter a polar bear, staying calm and moving slowly is important. Running will trigger the bear’s hunting instincts, and no human is fast enough to outrun a polar bear. Do not make loud noises or use sharp, sudden movements. Quietly and slowly back away from the bear, trying to look as large as possible. If you’re with others, group together so you’ll appear larger. If there are any nearby vehicles, buildings, or similar shelters, quietly enter and wait for the bear to leave.

Most polar bears avoid humans, but starving bears are often willing to take more risks. If a polar bear attacks, fight back aggressively. Do not play dead. If you are with other people, gather into one large group to deter the bear from wanting to approach.