Polar bears are the largest bears on Earth and amazing swimmers — scientists have tracked them swimming for days without stopping. Their white fur is actually clear and hollow, and underneath it their skin is black to soak up the sun's warmth.
📋 Polar Bear at a glance
⚡ Superpower
A polar bear can smell a seal through 3 feet of solid ice.
🤩 Amazing Polar Bear facts
Polar bear fur isn't white — it's see-through and hollow. Their skin is black!
❓ Common questions about polar bears
How big is a polar bear?
Up to 1,300 lb (600 kg). Polar bear fur isn't white — it's see-through and hollow. Their skin is black!
Where do polar bears live?
Polar Bears live in the wild: arctic sea ice & coasts. They are wild animals and are never kept as pets.
How long do polar bears live?
Polar Bears typically live 20–25 years in the wild.
Can you keep a polar bear as a pet?
No — Polar Bears are wild animals that belong in the wild (arctic sea ice & coasts), and keeping one would be unsafe and usually illegal. The closest pet you can actually keep is a dog — see our care guide.
Could you keep a polar bear as a pet?
No — polar bears are wild animals that belong in the wild, and keeping one would be unsafe and almost always illegal. But if polar bears are your favorite, here's the closest pet you actually can welcome home:
Meet the DogBecause no pet is a polar bear, but a thick-coated, cold-loving dog breed captures some of that snowy spirit.
See care guide →
🎬 See polar bears in action
Watch kid-friendly videos about polar bears on YouTube.
▶ Watch Polar Bear videos on YouTube