Polar Bears

Polar bears live in the Arctic and hunt seals from atop the sea ice. Polar bears are are now listed as a threatened species under the United States' Endangered Species Act as polar bear populations declined. Stay updated on polar bears with comprehensive articles, interactive features and polar bear pictures at LiveScience.com.
Latest about Polar Bears

'Polar bear capital of the world' soon to be overrun with record number of bears due to shifting sea ice
By Harry Baker published
The Canadian town of Churchill has already had more than four times as many polar bear visitors this year compared with the same time last year, and many more could soon be on the way.

Twin polar bear sisters reunited years after mother rejected one of them
By Harry Baker published
The sisters were separated at birth due to medical complications, and they remained apart for more than two years after one was rejected by the mother.

In 'extremely rare' attack, polar bear killed mother and child in Alaska. Now we know why.
By Harry Baker published
A woman and her 1-year-old son were recently mauled to death by a polar bear in an ultra-rare attack in Alaska. A new report sheds some light on why the tragic event occurred.

Move over polar bears, there's another top predator along the Arctic coast
By Harry Baker published
A new study has revealed that certain sea stars rival polar bears as the most prolific predators in coastal Arctic ecosystems.

Everybody Freeze! The Science of the Polar Bear Club
By Mindy Weisberger last updated
On New Year's Day on Brooklyn, New York's Coney Island beach, the sound of chattering teeth will fill the air, as thousands of people gather for a ceremonial wintry dip in the Atlantic Ocean.

Polar bears forced to dine on 'batteries and dirty nappies' as climate change pushes them inland
By Brandon Specktor last updated
Polar bears are flocking to open landfills in the Arctic as climate change diminishes sea ice, a new study suggests.

Secret population of polar bears found living in seemingly impossible habitat
By Harry Baker published
The discovery provides a glimmer of hope for the iconic white bears.

Why aren't there polar bears in Antarctica?
By JoAnna Wendel published
Polar bears evolved during a time when the North and South poles were not connected by ice or land, so they stayed at the North Pole.
Stay up to date on the latest science news by signing up for our Essentials newsletter.
Thank you for signing up to Live Science. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.