Polar Bear
Ursus maritimus
Explore the complete life journey from birth to maximum documented longevity. Move the interactive age slider below to see real-time biometric growth ranges, developmental milestones, metabolic changes, and ontogenetic stages.
Interactive Lifespan & Growth Scrubber
Drag the slider or click any milestone step to observe dynamic biometrics and physiological changes.
Milk in snow den.
Dependent early stage (maternity snow den).
Taxon-Specific Life Stage Machine
How Polar Bear progresses through distinct morphological phases.
Cub
Born tiny in a maternity snow den; grows rapidly on rich milk.
- •Altricial neonate
- •Growing milk teeth
- •Insulating fur
Yearling
Follows mother learning to find seals.
- •Rapid skeletal growth
- •Developing foraging skills
Subadult
Independent; still filling adult mass.
- •Near-adult frame
- •extreme blubber dependence
Prime Adult
Full size with seasonal fat cycles.
- •Adult dentition
- •Seasonal fat stores
Elder
Slower foraging; dental wear accumulates.
- •Worn teeth
- •Lower body condition risk
Growth Timeline Reference Matrix
Standardized peer-reviewed biometric development data.
| Age Milestone | Life Stage | Total Length Range | Body Mass Range | Maturity | Dietary Regime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🐻❄️Birth / Hatch / Day 0 | Cub | 30–35 cm | 0.5–0.7 kg | 0% | Milk in snow den. |
| 🐻❄️Early growth | Cub | 55.2–66.8 cm | 42.4–84.6 kg | 12% | Seal blubber with mother. |
| 🐻❄️Mid juvenile | Yearling | 104–128 cm | 122.8–245.5 kg | 35% | Ringed and bearded seals. |
| 🐻❄️Late juvenile | Subadult | 156–194 cm | 210.2–420.3 kg | 60% | Ringed and bearded seals. |
| 🐻❄️Near maturity | Adult | 209–260 cm | 297.6–595.1 kg | 85% | Ringed and bearded seals. |
| 👑Prime adult | Prime Adult | 236–295 cm | 343–686 kg | 98% | Ringed and bearded seals. |
| 👑Later adult | Elder | 240–300 cm | 350–700 kg | 100% | Ringed and bearded seals. |
Key Milestones in the Life of a Polar Bear
Polar Bear Early Independence Skills
Critical early learning period unique to polar bear ecology.
Peak Growth Window
Den emergence to 3 years is when size accumulates fastest.
Sexual Maturity
Typical maturity near 5 years for this species.
Adult Niche Mastery
Adults specialize in maternity snow den.
Diet Transition
Seal blubber with mother.
Frequently Asked Questions About Polar Bear Life History
Scientific answers to high-intent queries regarding lifespan and growth.
