Happy International Polar Bear Day! Here are some of our favourite polar bear facts: • Polar bears are technically considered marine mammals. Their Latin name, Ursus maritimus, means “sea bear.” • Their massive, slightly webbed paws are bigger than a dinner plate, helping them distribute their weight on the ice and paddle through the water at speeds up to 10 km/hr. • Their fur isn’t actually white — it’s transparent and hollow, like tiny fiber optic cables. It funnels sunlight down to their black skin, which absorbs heat while also offering protection from the sun’s rays. • Between their thick fur and a solid layer of blubber, polar bears rarely get cold in the freezing Arctic. In fact, they can overheat if they’re too active. • Their main source of food is seals, which they hunt from sea ice platforms as seals come up for air. What’s your favorite polar bear fact? Tell us below! Photos by paulnicklen #InternationalPolarBearDay #PolarBears #Arctic #Explore