Polar bear looking for whale cadaver under water, Svalbard
More than any other animal, the polar bear, Ursus maritimus, is recognized as the symbol of the Arctic. With white fur and a sub-skin blubber providing insulation, the polar bear has adapted to live in severe cold conditions. The polar bear finds the majority of its prey on the sea ice – mostly seals. Even a two-year-old whale carcass, in the cold Arctic environment still serves as food source for polar bears. The polar bear just needs to dive down to get down to the rotten meat. A known site in Northern Svalbard for tour operators to show polar bears to their clients.
Year: 2011
From album: Polar Bears in Svalbard and Melting Sea Ice
Photographer: Peter Prokosch