Polar bears are enormous Arctic predators whose lives are closely tied to the sea ice, which serves as their primary hunting ground. Like many large mammals, this species, scientifically known as Ursus maritimus, has distinct terminology for its sexes and young. The use of specific terms helps to differentiate the roles and sizes of the animals. Given the extreme conditions of the Arctic, the female’s role is particularly demanding, requiring immense energy reserves and a prolonged period of maternal commitment.
The Terminology for a Female Polar Bear
The term for a female polar bear is a “sow”. This naming convention is a traditional term used across various large animals, particularly within the bear family and for livestock. For instance, female brown bears and black bears are also referred to as sows. The average adult female polar bear typically weighs around 330 to 650 pounds (150 to 300 kilograms), though a pregnant female can weigh significantly more.
Names for Other Polar Bears
In contrast to the sow, the adult male polar bear is called a “boar”. Boars are substantially larger than sows, often exhibiting sexual dimorphism, and can weigh between 1,100 and 1,700 pounds (500 to 770 kilograms). The young of the polar bear are universally known as “cubs”. Newborn cubs are altricial, meaning they are born blind, deaf, and nearly helpless, weighing only about 1.3 to 1.5 pounds (around 600 to 700 grams).
The Mother’s Role in Cub Survival
The female polar bear undertakes an immense biological commitment to ensure the survival of her offspring. Pregnant sows must build up extensive fat reserves during the summer and fall to sustain themselves through a prolonged fast. They enter a maternity den, usually dug into snow drifts on land, where they give birth to one to three cubs between November and January.
The mother does not eat, drink, or leave the den for up to eight months, relying entirely on her stored body fat to produce milk. This milk is exceptionally rich, containing up to 31% fat, which enables the cubs to grow rapidly. The cubs remain with their mother for an extended period, usually two to three years, to learn the complex survival skills needed to hunt seals and navigate the Arctic environment independently.