two layers of fur

12 inch paddle-like paws to provide traction on ice and to aid in swimming.

white fur for crypsis

black skin, which traps solar heat

small ears and short tail to reduce their surface area to volume ratio, meaning less of their surface area is exposed to the environment, minimising heat loss

ambush predators, waits hours at seal breathing holes in the ice, this conserves energy

Walking hibernation / reduced activity over the winter months, rather than traditional hibernation, females often give birth during this time

walk at a slow pace and only run short distances as they can easily overheat

they also take naps for energy conservation

can sleep through blizzards, using the snow as an insulating blanket, and may stay there for several days until the storm passes.

they curl up on the sea ice in summer and sometimes use a block of ice or a paw as a pillow

due to climate change, polar bears are spending more time on land and utilised this change for opportunistic mating with grizzly bears.

Intelligent animals capable of problem solving, they have excellent memory and visit the same hunting grounds

their genes that regulate their cardiovascular system have allowed them to maintain a high-fat diet without developing the heart disease or high cholesterol that would usually be fatal to humans

in deep sleep, they develop arrhythmia(uneven heart beats), which helps to conserve energy amongst hibernating animals