How Fast Is Polar Bear?

Polar bears weigh 700 kg but can run at 40 km/h — and swim continuously for days. One bear was tracked swimming 687 km without a break across the Beaufort Sea, navigating by stars and ocean currents.

Polar bear fur isn't actually white — each hair is a hollow translucent tube that scatters light. The skin underneath is jet black to absorb solar warmth.

• Same speed as a barracuda striking
• 687 km tracked non-stop swim