Polar bears live in extreme conditions. This is a large predator, and it needs good nutrition in order not only to survive in its world, but also to be able to give offspring and preserve its species.
What polar bears like to eat
The polar, or polar bear, is the largest land predator living on our planet. He lives in the polar regions, in harsh conditions. To replenish their strength and continue to live on, these animals must be able to find the food that will help them in this. Since there is very little vegetation in the polar bear's habitat, this animal feeds almost exclusively on food of animal origin. We can safely say that this beast is a skillful hunter.
The main food for polar bears is ringed seals. This is a real treat for them. But in order to catch them, the bear sometimes has to incubate for a long time near vents on the ice. And there can be a lot of such holes, so a predator needs a lot of patience to notice a seal that has emerged. As soon as a potential victim is in the bear's reach, he with force crushes his paws on the animal.
They can hunt seals and watch for prey near the ice floe, on which these animals are usually placed. Sometimes a predator sneaks up on its prey, crawling up to it on its belly. The polar bear has another hunting tactic. From time to time, he tears apart the dwellings of the seals, which they build under the thickness of the snow. By smell, the predator finds the habitat of prey and their cubs.
To replenish the spent energy, the polar bear first eats fat, which will eventually be converted into energy. More often the remains of the seal are eaten by other predators, such as the Arctic fox. Every 5-6 days the bear needs to hunt a seal. In addition to this prey, the predator can feed on the bearded seal, birds, and on land can deal with the walrus.
Hard times for polar bears
This mighty beast does not always have such an opportunity - to catch a large animal. Especially for them, a difficult time becomes the period when the ice is melting, and the bears do not have the opportunity to get close to their prey. At this time, the polar bear does not disdain both algae and carrion, hunts birds and their eggs.
After hibernation, it is also difficult for a polar bear to find suitable food. But sometimes the waters of the cold seas present them with a gift - the carcass of a sperm whale. During this time, usually lonely, polar bears can gather in several individuals.
Often these predators go to the wintering grounds of explorers or travelers. Here they, not particularly embarrassed in their actions, literally rummage everywhere in search of food.
Recently, amid global warming, the life of the polar bear is under threat. Melting ice has a detrimental effect on the presence of the main prey of this animal.
