The Arctic’s Apex Hunter
Polar bears are the Arctic’s apex predators, positioned at the top of their food web. Adult males weigh between 900 and 1,600 pounds and reach up to 10 feet in length. This size and strength allow them to hunt their primary prey, seals, which provide the high-fat content necessary for survival in frigid conditions. Polar bears employ specialized hunting techniques to capture seals, such as still-hunting at breathing holes or stalking them on ice.
Their large, padded paws provide critical traction on slippery surfaces and act as powerful paddles for swimming, allowing them to navigate their marine habitat with ease. A thick layer of blubber, up to 4.5 inches thick, insulates them from the bitter cold and aids buoyancy during long swims. These adaptations mean adult polar bears face no natural predators within their ecosystem.
Intra-Species Predation
While adult polar bears are unchallenged by other species, cannibalism occurs within their own kind. This phenomenon, known as intra-species predation or cannibalism, typically involves adult male polar bears targeting cubs. These acts are often linked to extreme hunger when seals become scarce. For instance, a male might kill a cub to gain a nutritional benefit or to bring the female into estrus, enabling new mating opportunities.
Scientific observations, though infrequent, highlight these encounters. Researchers documented instances in 2004 in the southern Beaufort Sea, including a male bear killing and partially consuming a female that had just given birth in her den. Another case involved a male preying on a female with a cub, and a partially eaten yearling male was also discovered. While the killing of another bear for immediate consumption is less common than infanticide, scavenging on carcasses does occur as a survival strategy during food shortages.
Scientists report an uptick in the frequency of these cannibalistic events. This increase is attributed to environmental pressures, such as extended ice-free seasons that reduce access to traditional hunting grounds for seals. Although increased human activity in the Arctic might lead to more witnessed cases, experts suggest the rise reflects nutritional stress within the polar bear population.
Human Hunting and Consumption
Humans represent another factor in the consumption of polar bears, primarily through traditional hunting practices. Indigenous communities across the Arctic, such as the Inuit and Alaska Natives, have historically hunted polar bears for sustenance and cultural purposes. The meat provides a valuable source of protein and fat, essential for survival in the harsh northern climate. Beyond food, polar bear hides are used for warm clothing, blankets, and handicrafts, while other parts contribute to art and jewelry.
Hunting is regulated and managed through quotas in many regions, ensuring sustainability and respecting traditional practices. For example, in Canada, indigenous peoples have rights to harvest polar bears under land claim agreements, with strict tag systems and monitoring to track harvests. The meat is widely shared within communities, often considered a prestigious gift and a reaffirmation of cultural identity.
While subsistence hunting continues, commercial hunting was halted by international agreements in the 1970s. Current regulations in places like the United States permit Alaska Natives to hunt polar bears year-round for subsistence and handicraft purposes, but not for sport. This practice highlights the deep connection between Arctic communities and polar bears, which remain a key resource for their way of life.