Vast, glacial, and mystic – Greenland, the world’s largest island, is a land of extremes. Home to some of the most magnificent creatures that tread the earth, Greenland’s wildlife is as breathtaking as its landscapes.
And among them, the majestic polar bear, often called the “King of the Arctic,” stands tall and proud. Roaming the vast ice expanses, these powerful predators have been deeply intertwined with the indigenous cultures and Greenlandic heritage.
Did you know that polar bears can smell seals from almost 20 miles away? Stay tuned to uncover more enchanting tales of this Arctic giant.
Quick Info About The Polar Bear
| Scientific Name: | Ursus maritimus |
| Average Size: | 7.25-8 feet / 2.2-2.5m (males), 5.25-6.5 feet / 1.6-2m (females) |
| Average Weight: | 900-1,600 lbs / 410-725 kg (males), 330-650 lbs / 150-295 kg (females) |
| Average Lifespan: | 20-25 years in the wild |
| Geographical Range: | Arctic regions across Canada, Russia, the US (Alaska), Greenland, and Norway |
| Habitat: | Sea ice platforms in Arctic Ocean |
| Conservation Status: | Vulnerable (IUCN Red List) |
Meet The Polar Bear, National Animal of Greenland
Magnificent and awe-inspiring, the polar bear is a testament to nature’s ability to adapt and thrive in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. Covered in a thick layer of blubber and dense fur, polar bears are brilliantly adapted to the Arctic cold.
Their fur appears white, but it’s translucent, allowing the sun’s rays to penetrate and warm the skin below. Large, powerful limbs make them formidable swimmers, often covering miles of open ocean in search of sea ice and prey.
Sexual dimorphism is evident, with males significantly larger than females. Males, known as ‘boars’, can weigh up to 1,600 lbs, while females, or ‘sows’, typically weigh half of that. A broad head, small ears, and a pronounced nose help them retain heat.
Polar bears sit atop the Arctic food chain. Their primary diet consists of seals, particularly the blubber, which is converted into fat reserves. Using their keen sense of smell, they detect seals’ breathing holes from a distance. Then, with a swift pounce, they break through the ice to capture their prey. Other than humans, polar bears have no natural predators.
Where Does The Polar Bear Live?
Native to the frozen vastness of the Arctic, the polar bear’s primary habitat is the sea ice that blankets the Arctic Ocean. This ice is not only a platform for movement but is essential for hunting seals, resting, and breeding. In Greenland, polar bears are commonly found along the coast, particularly in the Northeast Greenland National Park, the world’s largest national park.
While their range spans the Arctic regions of five countries, the specifics of their habitats can vary. In some areas, polar bears remain on the ice year-round, while in others, like Hudson Bay in Canada, they come ashore during ice melt and wait for it to refreeze.
However, with global warming, sea ice platforms are shrinking rapidly, making it challenging for polar bears to hunt and sometimes forcing them to travel vast distances or swim long stretches to find food. The changing environment is pushing them closer to human settlements, leading to increased human-polar bear conflicts.
Why and When Did The Polar Bear Become The National Animal of Greenland?
Greenland’s relationship with the polar bear runs deep, tied intrinsically to its icy landscapes and the indigenous cultures that have thrived there for millennia. The polar bear symbolizes resilience, strength, and adaptation—traits mirrored in the Greenlandic people’s own history of survival in the Arctic’s unforgiving climate.
Historical records and oral traditions don’t pinpoint an exact date when the polar bear was officially designated as the national animal. Still, its cultural and spiritual significance among the Inuit population can be traced back centuries. Inuit legends often feature the polar bear as a revered figure, embodying the spirits of both land and sea, respected not just for its might but also for its role in the balance of Arctic life.
There have been some debates regarding polar bear hunting in Greenland. Traditionally, the Inuit have hunted polar bears for subsistence, using every part of the animal for food, clothing, and tools.
However, with the challenges of climate change and increased global attention on conservation, there’s been international pressure to limit polar bear hunts. Greenland has established hunting quotas to ensure that hunting remains sustainable, balancing traditional practices with conservation needs.
Where is The Polar Bear Featured in Greenland?
While the polar bear isn’t prominently displayed on Greenland’s national flag or its banknotes, its importance is deeply embedded in Greenlandic culture.
Tourists visiting Greenland will often encounter the image of the polar bear on local handicrafts, murals, and even as sculptures or motifs in public spaces. The town of Ilulissat, for instance, has a prominent polar bear statue, highlighting the region’s deep ties to this majestic animal.
Furthermore, the polar bear is a crucial symbol for local businesses and tourism boards, playing an iconic role in promoting Greenland as a unique Arctic destination.
Names of The Polar Bear
The polar bear is known primarily as such due to its habitat in the Arctic Circle. Its scientific name is Ursus maritimus, which translates to “maritime bear,” highlighting its close association with the sea ice of the Arctic.
In Greenland, the native Inuit people refer to the polar bear as “Nanuq,” a term that signifies its importance and respect in their culture. Different Arctic communities have variations of this name. For example, in Canada, some Inuit groups might call it “Nanuk.”
Is The Polar Bear Endangered?
Yes, the polar bear is classified as “Vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. The primary threat to its survival is the loss of its sea ice habitat due to climate change. As the Arctic ice melts at an alarming rate, polar bears are forced to travel greater distances to hunt and find food, leading to starvation and decreased cub survival rates.
There’s also the concern of increased human-polar bear conflicts as the bears search for food, leading to fatal encounters for both the bears and humans.
Greenland, along with the other Arctic nations, has engaged in several conservation initiatives to protect the polar bear. These include setting hunting quotas, monitoring polar bear populations, and participating in international agreements to address shared conservation challenges.
Interesting Facts About The Polar Bear
- Cold Adaptation: Polar bears have a thick layer of blubber, sometimes up to 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) thick, that insulates them against the cold Arctic temperatures.
- Sea Ice Travelers: They are excellent swimmers and can cover distances of up to 60 miles (97 km) in a single journey.
- Sense of Smell: Polar bears have an extraordinary sense of smell, enabling them to detect seals— their primary source of food— nearly a mile away and beneath several feet of snow.
- Cultural Significance: For the Inuit, the polar bear is not just a vital resource but a spiritual entity. There are numerous myths and stories where Nanuq is portrayed as both a guide and a god.
- Solitary Creatures: Unlike many bear species, polar bears are mostly solitary, especially males. The primary exception is mothers with cubs.
- Foot Design: Their feet are designed for the Arctic life. Large, strong limbs help them swim, while the footpads have a rough texture that provides traction on ice.
Other Beautiful Animals Native To Greenland
- Arctic Fox: These small carnivorous mammals change their coat color with the season – from a thick, warm white coat in the winter to a brownish-grey in the summer.
- Musk Ox: Remnants of the Ice Age, these large herbivores have shaggy coats and are well adapted to the harsh Greenlandic environment.
- Snowy Owl: This striking white owl can be found throughout Greenland and is known for its piercing yellow eyes and incredible hunting abilities.
- Walrus: With their long tusks and wrinkled bodies, walruses are a common sight along Greenland’s coasts.
- Narwhal: Often referred to as the “unicorn of the sea” due to its long, spiral tusk, the narwhal is a species of toothed whale that can often be spotted in the waters around Greenland.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do polar bears survive the extreme cold of the Arctic?
Polar bears have several adaptations for cold environments, including a dense layer of underfur, a thick layer of blubber for insulation, and black skin under their fur to absorb and retain heat from the sun.
Are polar bears only found in Greenland?
No, polar bears are found throughout the Arctic region, spanning countries such as Canada, Russia, the US (Alaska), Norway, and Greenland.
Why is the polar bear important to the culture of Greenland?
For the indigenous Inuit people of Greenland, the polar bear, or Nanuq, has deep cultural, spiritual, and economic significance. It’s an important hunting resource, and it’s also embedded in numerous myths, legends, and rituals.
Is hunting polar bears allowed in Greenland?
Yes, but it’s regulated. There are strict quotas in place to ensure sustainable hunting, and only native Greenlanders can hunt polar bears for subsistence.
Do polar bears eat anything besides seals?
While seals are their primary diet, polar bears are opportunistic feeders and can consume other animals like walruses, birds, and even berries. However, these alternatives don’t provide the same level of nutrition and fat as seals.
Other National Symbols of Greenland
