Polar bear’s epic nine day swim in search of sea ice
“This bear swam continuously for 232 hours and 687 km and through waters that were 2-6 degrees C,” says research zoologist George M. Durner.
“We are in awe that an animal that spends most of its time on the surface of sea ice could swim constantly for so long in water so cold. It is truly an amazing feat.”
Although bears have been observed in open water in the past, this is the first time one’s entire journey has been followed.
The study shows that this epic journey came at a very high cost to the bear.
“This individual lost 22% of her body fat in two months and her yearling cub,” says Mr Durner.
