Where Are Polar Bears Found in the World?

Most polar bears inhabit the Arctic region, specifically from north of the Arctic Circle to the North Pole. National Wildlife Federation confirms that polar bears are also available in the South of the Arctic Circle. These places are Canada's Hudson Bay and James Bay.

They can also be found in Alaska, Russia, Greenland, and some Northern islands in Norway. Canada is known to be the largest bearer of polar bears, with 60 % of its population residing there.

These remarkable creatures primarily dwell on the sea ice, as it provides them access to their preferred prey, seals. When sea ice is absent, polar bears may be encountered on land or swimming between floating ice formations during warmer periods.

Polar bears' habitat is subject to seasonal fluctuations. For instance, in areas where sea ice thaws mid or late summer, all polar bears migrate to the shore for two to four months. During this period, they depend on their fat reserves to survive. Come autumn, and they return to the sea ice. As hunting, traveling, and mating heavily rely on sea ice, polar bears must have it available.