Here's how it works:
* Ice breathing holes: Polar bears hunt seals by waiting near breathing holes in the sea ice. They patiently wait for the seals to surface for air, then ambush them with a lightning-fast strike.
* Denning: Female polar bears den during the winter to give birth and raise their cubs. They rely on their fat reserves from the previous summer and fall, as hunting is difficult with snow cover and limited access to breathing holes.
While seals are the main food source, polar bears will also occasionally eat:
* Carrion: They will scavenge the carcasses of other animals, including walruses, whales, and other polar bears.
* Birds: Occasionally, they may hunt birds like seabirds or arctic foxes.
However, seals are the crucial food source for polar bears during the harsh winter months, providing them with the necessary energy to survive and reproduce.