Polar bears are not found in Nova Scotia. Their natural habitat is situated far to the north, in the Arctic. Nova Scotia’s climate and geography do not support the specific environmental conditions these animals require to thrive. Thus, polar bears are absent from Nova Scotia’s warmer, more temperate landscapes.
Polar Bear Range and Habitat
Polar bears are adapted to life in the Arctic, inhabiting ice-covered regions across the Arctic. In Canada, these bears are found from the Yukon and Beaufort Sea eastward to Newfoundland and Labrador. Their range extends from Northern Ellesmere Island down to James Bay, with the southernmost population occurring along the coast of James Bay in Ontario.
Sea ice is fundamental to a polar bear’s existence, serving as a platform for hunting, traveling, and mating. These large carnivores primarily hunt seals. The availability of sea ice directly affects their ability to access this high-fat diet, which is essential for their survival in the cold Arctic environment. While they can spend time on land, polar bears are considered marine mammals, spending most of their lives on or near sea ice.
The Arctic environment provides vast, dynamic sea ice, unlike Nova Scotia’s coastal and forested landscapes. Nova Scotia experiences a modified continental climate with milder winters and significantly less persistent sea ice. The lack of extensive, stable sea ice and the absence of their primary prey species in Nova Scotia means the region cannot sustain a polar bear population.
Nova Scotia’s Native Large Mammals
Nova Scotia’s diverse habitats support a variety of large native mammals. The largest land mammal in the province is the moose, a member of the deer family, characterized by its long gray legs, humped shoulders, and large antlers in males. Moose are typically found in forested areas and wetlands throughout Nova Scotia.
Black bears are also common throughout Nova Scotia, particularly in central and western mainland regions. These omnivorous bears inhabit forested environments, foraging for berries, nuts, insects, and small animals. Unlike polar bears, black bears do not rely on sea ice for hunting or travel.
Other significant large mammals include white-tailed deer, which are widespread across the province and thrive in various habitats. Eastern coyotes have also established a strong presence in Nova Scotia, moving in from New Brunswick in the late 1970s and becoming common throughout by the mid-1980s. Bobcats, another native furbearer, are common on the mainland, utilizing the province’s diverse forested landscapes. These species are well-adapted to Nova Scotia’s climate and ecological conditions, distinguishing them from the specialized requirements of Arctic-dwelling polar bears.