Inspecting Vessel Logs and Habitat

Evaluating marine encounters requires understanding where polar bears live and feed. These top predators are heavily dependent on sea ice habitats and prey primarily on ringed seals and, to a lesser extent, bearded seals. They may also occasionally hunt larger animals like walruses or belugas, or feed on bowhead whale remains. Stories claiming to show polar bears hunting or feeding in unusual ways or locations should be verified against these established dietary patterns.