Polar bears are one of the strongest creatures within our ecosystem. They are identified as apex predators. This means they hunt almost everything while being animals that cannot be hunted themselves. They have no predators of their own. Of all the different types of bears, people often question if polar bears are capable of hunting and killing humans.
If you are wondering whether polar bears are capable of hunting human beings or not, the answer is simple. As we’ve established, polar bears are capable of hunting anything and everything that comes into their path. This includes human beings. However, the chances of a polar bear attacking human beings are slim.
To further understand this, we must look at what prey polar bears usually hunt for.
What Do Polar Bears Eat?
Polar bears tend to hunt mostly for seals as their blubber gives them the nutrients and proteins they need to have a sustainable diet. Apart from this, they go for fish, walruses, as well as vegetation when food sources are scarce.
They rely mostly on stealth and patience to catch their prey. Their success rate is extremely high as they are the biggest danger to animals living around them.
Why Would Polar Bears Hunt Humans?
As previously established, while attacks on human beings are rare, they do happen. You might be wondering why this is the case, as humans are not part of a polar bear’s regular diet.
It’s interesting to note that out of all of the attacks that have occurred over the last couple of decades, which are very few, most have taken place for two reasons.
One of the reasons is the fact that young, malnourished male polar bears would come across humans and would hunt, kill, and eat them in an effort to feed themselves. This type of attack would occur solely out of desperation.
The second reason is related to survival and defense. Female polar bears would often attack humans solely in an attempt to defend their young against harm. These polar bears would see the humans as a threat, and much like their other prey, they would eliminate them instantly.
Any other attacks would take place for a very basic reason: polar bears are apex predators and hunt whatever comes into their path. This means that if they see a group of human beings, they will most likely charge at them, killing them instantly. If the bears are hungry and they spot anything that looks like it might be able to satisfy their need to feed, they will not hesitate to fulfill their dietary needs.
Are Attacks Increasing? Why?
There has been a huge spike in polar bear attacks over the last few decades. There have been many reasons for this. One of the main reasons is that, due to global warming, the amount of ice left afloat is decreasing rapidly.
This means the area over which polar bears could hunt is quickly diminishing. This has pushed the bears to head towards human-populated areas in search of food that will sate their need for sustenance.
This forced migration has resulted in more attacks being carried out against human beings by polar bears than ever before.
Another reason why these attacks seem to be increasing over time is the fact that less and less emphasis is being put on maintaining a safe distance and prioritizing a bear’s need for personal space.
By consistently disturbing their natural environment, humans are putting themselves in danger by throwing themselves in the path of one of the most dangerous apex predators.
How to Remain Safe
Understanding that polar bear attacks on humans are increasing over time must also come with the understanding that steps must be taken to ensure we stay safe.
By doing this we will also be able to protect our loved ones from these vicious attacks on their lives.
One of the first things you must do to ensure you don’t cross paths with this extremely dangerous animal is by ensuring you keep your food tightly sealed. This is because much like other bears, polar bears are drawn to scents.
The smell of food is very likely to attract the attention of a polar bear, which will put you and your loved ones directly in harm’s way.
Another essential tip for staying safe is to ensure you do not travel alone, no matter where you’re going. By traveling in pairs or a group, you will keep yourselves as safe as possible from polar bear attacks.
This is because the bears are unlikely to attack a group of people in comparison to a single person walking alone.
Finally, you must make sure you choose your campsite carefully. This is because polar bears are normally found near the shoreline. Therefore, your best bet at remaining safe from extremely dangerous bear attacks is to reside and rest in a place that is far from the shore, keeping you and your loved ones safe.
Conclusion
While it is rare for polar bears to attack humans, such attacks still happen. This is because the bears are either being made to feel uncomfortable by having their spaces invaded, or are starving and attacking humans in a desperate attempt to satisfy their dietary needs.
Polar bears may also carry out an attack in the name of self-defense if they believe their cubs are in immediate danger. With the increase in human attacks, we must remain safe and away from areas that are rich in housing polar bears.
Ensure you seal your foods and travel in groups in order to have the best chance of survival against these incredibly strong apex predators.
