Polar Bears - Reproduction
Male Polar Bears reach sexual maturity by the age of 10-11 years, whereas females usually are reproductive by the age of 5-6 years. Polar Bears do not mate for life but form pairs during the breeding season. Males and females can be seen together only when the female is in estrus, which is about three days.
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Picture source:
North American Bear Center
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The breeding season is usually in late winter months through early spring. Such phenomenon as delayed implantation occurs in the Polar Bear. The gestation period is from 195 to 265 days. Females build a den on land and give birth to 2 cubs on the average. In fact, the litter may be as large as four cubs.
As the female hibernates, she takes care of the young. The cubs are born with their eyes closed; they are very small and weigh not more than 600 grams. The cubs are well furred and feel safe in the den as the mother supplies them with necessary care.
The cubs will emerge from the den in spring to learn to hunt by observing the mother. The ties are very close between the mother and the cubs. By the age of 30 months of age, the cubs have to leave the mother, as she is ready to breed again.
Polar Bears - Life Span
The Polar Bear has no natural predators, so disease, injuries, and habitat loss are major factors influencing the population of the species. Earlier, the Polar Bear was extensively hunted. Nowadays, the situation is improved. In the wild, the life span is 25-30 years. Polar Bears were known to live in captivity up to 45 years.
Polar Bears - Links
A SeaWorld Education Department Resource - Classification, description, habits, and other information.
All about Polar Bears - Classification, distribution, habitat, and other facts.
Bears.org: Polar Bears - The Polar Bear is a mighty hunter of seals. Learn more.
BluePlanetBiomes: Polar Bears - Description, habits, and adaptations.
Creature Feature: Polar Bears - Fun facts about the Polar Bear.
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Picture source:
Polar World
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Frequently Asked Questions about Polar Bears - Information on habitat, life style, and diet habits.
Nature Facts: Polar Bears - The Polar Bear is the only aquatic member of the family being often called Sea Bear, as the scientific name (Ursus maritimus) signifies.
Nature's: The Polar Bears - The Polar Bears of Churchill with Ewan McGregor.
Polar Bear -- Kids' Planet -- Defenders of Wildlife - Status, description, habitat, and other information.
Polar Bear (Ursus Maritimus) - Species account and pictures.
Polar Bear Characteristics - Species characteristics, range, behavior, diet, and reproduction.
Polar Bear Description - Description, evolution, distribution and abundance, and life cycle.
Polar Bear Notes - Brief information on the Polar Bear.
Polar Bear Photo Gallery - A lot of Polar Bear pictures.
Polar Bear: Cool Dudes - Fascinating facts about the species.
Polar Bears - Just the Facts - Facts about the Polar Bear.
Polar Bears - Polar Bear facts and pictures.
Polar Bears in Brief - Brief information on the species.
Polar Bears in the Tundra - Life style, habitat, and reproduction information.
Polar Bears: Chaffee Zoological Gardens of Fresno - Diet, behavior, adaptations. Breeding and growth, and other facts.
Polar World - Information, links, and pictures.
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Picture source:
Windows On Nature
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Roger Williams Park Zoo: Polar Bear - Description, reproduction, fun facts, and other information.
San Diego Zoo: Polar Bears - Facts about the Polar Bears, life style, description, and habits.
Taiga.net: Polar Bears - Distribution, population size, population trends, unique or special characteristics, threats, and management.
The Arctic's Most Formidable Predator has a Tender Side Too - National Geographic offers information and pictures of the Polar Bear.
The Polar Bear - Description, range, diet, and other facts about Polar Bears.
The Polar Bear Tracker - Learn about the largest earth carnivore and where it lives.
TheBigZoo: Polar Bears - Description, food, habitat, predators, social structure, and more.
Wildlife: Polar Bears - Distribution, history, physical characteristics, adaptations for the cold, thermoregulation, sight, hearing and smell, adaptations to an aquatic environment, and behavior.
