How Strong Are Polar Bears?

Polar bears are the largest & strongest species of bear on earth that prey on other animals to fulfill their nutritional needs, that’s why they are called the largest carnivores.

A polar bear can eat 100 to 150 pounds of meat in one sitting. In other words, they can eat about 15% to 20% of their body weight. So, after eating such a huge amount of food, a question will come to mind “How strong are polar bears?”

The short answer to this question is a polar bear can lift 350 kg (771 Ibs) and a bite force of 1200 psi. It means a polar bear can lift a lion & their bite is enough to break the lion’s jaws.

In this article, we’ll discuss some more interesting facts about polar bear strength and other questions like “Are polar bears stronger than grizzly bears?” So, Today, I hope you’ll learn some new about this powerful creature that lives in the northernmost part of the earth, like the Arctic region.

How Strong Are Polar Bears?

The adult male polar bear can weigh anywhere between 600 to 1700 pounds (300 to 800 kg), while the females of this species are smaller than males with a weight of 330 to 660 Ibs (150 to 300 kg). Adult polar bears are also taller, with 8 feet height, while females’ height is 5.9 to 6.6 feet (180 to 200 cm) (1.8 to 2 meters).

Size is not the only characteristic of polar bears, while polar bears are also larger than Kodiak brown bears, whose weight is 1500 pounds.

As I mentioned earlier, a polar bear can lift 350 kg, while the itself weight of a bear is up to 800 kg. So, it means polar bear can lift 43.75% of its weight.

To more justify his strength, we consider a hypothetical fight between a polar bear and a walrus. Imagine what will be the outcome of this fight.

Well, If your answer is both “Yes & No,” then you’re right because it depends on a place like where this fight will happen. A polar bear can beat a walrus on land, but in the water, walrus will win the fight.

Although polar bears have no natural predators, it does not mean they freely move in their natural environment. Like other animals, some may attack polar bears, like Grizzly bears and Siberian tigers, which pose a significant threat to polar bears.

How Strong Are Polar Bears Compared to Humans?

Polar bears are incredibly strong compared to humans. On average, a polar bear is estimated to be about 5-10 times stronger than an adult human. They have immense strength and power due to their large size, muscular body, and adaptations for survival in their Arctic environment.

To determine whether polar bears are stronger than humans, let me provide you with some examples of their respective strengths.

Bite Force:

The polar bear has a bite force of about 1200 psi and this bite is enough to break the skull of a lion. On the other hand, a human bite force is just about 162 psi & this bite force is enough to break the walnut. However, the strongest bite force of a human is 443 kg (975 Ibs). This record was set by a 37-year-old man who is from Florida. He held the bite force for only two seconds, but it was enough to secure the record. In short, polar bear’s bite force is 7-times stronger than human bite force.

Running Capabilities:

After holding the title of strongest bite than humans, polar bears are also faster runners than humans. A polar bear can run with a speed of up to 40 km/h (25 mph), while the average human running speed is 13 km/h (8 mph).

However, only one person is faster than polar bear. Yes, you are reading the true line. I want to tell you about Usain Bolt, who made a world record with a running speed of 43.99 km/h (27.33 mph) in 2009.

In short, polar bears are 3-times faster than humans.

Polar bears are also good swimmers than humans. A polar bear can swim with a speed of up to 10 km/h (6.2 mph), while the human swimming speed is two (2) mph.

In October 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Banff National Park, Canada. Two people and their dog were attacked by a grizzly bear resulting in their unfortunate deaths. To ensure the safety of other visitors in the park, the bear was later killed by park controllers. (Source)

How Strong Is a Polar Bear Swipe?

A polar bear’s swipe is incredibly powerful & it is enough to break the block of ice to find prey. While there’s no exact measurement for the force of a polar bear’s swipe. However, the largest bear paw ever recorded is 12 inches in diameter.

When Polar Bears Use Swipe:

• Hunting: Polar bears use their swipes to strike at seals or other prey on the ice. In summer polar bears spend 40% of their time hunting & when they’re free, they enjoy sleeping and resting.
• Feeding: Once they’ve caught their prey, they use their large paws on prey to access the meat and blubber.
• Defense: When they feel threatened or in conflicts with other bears, like grizzly bears, polar bears use their powerful swipes to fend off opponents and protect themselves or their territory.

Are Polar Bears Stronger Than Grizzly Bears?

Both polar bears and grizzly bears are incredibly strong, but they have different strengths due to their environments. Grizzly bears eat plants, fish, rodents, and deer, while polar bears mostly eat meat. Polar bears also have large paws up to 12 inches in diameter.

On the other hand, grizzly bear paws are smaller in size than other bear paws.

In terms of size, polar bears are generally larger than grizzly bears. Polar bear’s neck is also longer than other types of bears.

Grizzly bears can grow up to 8 feet in height, while polar bears can grow up to 10 feet. Grizzly bears are generally more aggressive than polar bears.

In short, polar bears are generally stronger than grizzly bears. However, the outcome of a direct fight between them is unpredictable.

 

 

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