How polar bears hunt
Polar bears live on the Arctic sea ice. They wait on the ice for seals to come up to breathe. When a seal pokes its head out of a breathing hole or pops onto the surface, the polar bear uses its strong paws and sharp claws to grab it.
Why sea ice is important
- Sea ice is like a big hunting platform for polar bears.
- From the ice, bears can sneak up on seals or reach seal holes in the ice.
- It also helps them travel across large icy areas to find food and mates.
What happens when the ice melts
If there is less sea ice, polar bears have a harder time finding seals. They may have to swim longer distances or travel to land where food is scarcer. This can make them hungry and tired.
Why this matters
Sea ice is getting smaller in some places because of warming weather. Keeping our planet healthy helps keep sea ice from melting as much.