Not-So-Normal Facts

• Polar bears are so strong that they can kill an animal with one blow
• Cubs learn to stay still and "freeze" while their mother is hunting. If they move, they are disciplined with a whack on the head
• Female bears always dig dens for their cubs, sometimes they are elaborate and have different rooms
• Polar bears are thought to be as smart as apes
• Polar bear skin is actually black, and their fur is translucent, but the light bounces off of it making it appear to be white
• Polar bears can typically swim up to 100 miles at a time, at 6 mph
• They overheat more often than they are cold
• They obsess over clean fur because dirt can mess with their insulation
• They have a mix of body language and vocals that they communicate with. For example, head wagging occurs when a bear wants to play, and deep growls are warnings.
• On bitterly cold days, polar bears will dig shelters in snow banks and curl up into tight balls. Sometimes they cover their muzzles, which radiate heat, with their fur paws.