You might have heard about designer clothes and bags, but have you heard of the 'designer fish of the aquatic world' - the Betta fish? Known for its bright colours, beautiful fins and tails, it is native to Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam etc. Also called the Siamese fighting fish, the Betta fish is a genus which has 76 species. The most common species, the Betta splendens, is a much loved aquarium fish, beautiful to look at and easy to maintain.
The Betta fish is usually about 3 inches long and can live for 2-5 years. They have a special labyrinth organ which enable them to breathe directly from the water surface, and hence can survive in low-oxygen water pools.
They are found in a variety of colours, including blue, red, orange, white and black. However, the most attractive part of their bodies are their fins and tales. Different Betta fish have different types of tales such as a double tail, round tail, halfmoon tail, crown tail and more.
Interestingly, the male fish are often prettier and have longer flowing fins and tails in comparison to the female fish. Also, during hatching, it is the male fish who protects and takes care of the eggs by creating a bubble nest.
The petite Betta fish is also called the fighter fish. Yes, you read that correctly! These small aquatic creatures get aggressive and are prone to attack each other over their territorial space. You cannot keep two male Betta fish in the same tank. A fight would soon ensue and one or even both of them could die. However, female fish are less of the fighting kind and can live together.
Fascinating facts about Betta fish:
● The first domesticated Betta fish were found in Thailand about 1000 years ago.
● The Betta fish are carnivores and eat brine shrimp, glassworms, daphnia, tubifex, plankton etc.
● The Betta fish needs approximately 2 gallons of water in its fish tank. In the wild, these fish thrive best in the stagnant waters of vast floodplains, rice fields and canals.
● The Siamese fighting fish is the national aquatic animal of Thailand.
● The Betta fish name originates from an ancient warrior clan Known as the 'Bettah'.
Trains or trailers of the animal kingdom, centipedes and millipedes, both belonging to the class Myriapoda, are arthropods with fascinating mechanisms.
Despite their similar segmented bodies and numerous legs, these two creatures exhibit distinct styles of movement, driven by their differing anatomies and evolutionary adaptations. Understanding how centipedes and millipedes move provides insight into the complexities of their behaviour, ecology, and evolutionary history.
A 'hundred' legs: With their flat bodies and typically fewer legs (ranging from 15 to 191 pairs), centipedes are fast, agile predators. Their locomotion is characterised by a smooth, sinuous, and coordinated movement, which allows them to navigate quickly through their environments, usually in search of prey. Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment, and their movement is primarily powered by alternating waves of leg movements.
The key to centipede locomotion is the coordination of their legs. When a centipede moves, the legs on one side of the body move in a synchronised fashion, followed by the legs on the opposite side. This creates a wave-like movement that propels the centipede forward. The legs move in a complex, sinusoidal pattern that provides stability and speed.
Each segment of the centipede's body is highly flexible, allowing it to bend and twist as it moves, helping it navigate through tight spaces, such as cracks and under debris.
Centipedes rely on their speed and agility to capture prey, typically small insects and other invertebrates. The rapid, coordinated movement is enhanced by the centipede's specialised legs in the front, which are modified into venomous fangs that immobilise their prey.
Power in a 'million': In contrast to centipedes, millipedes have cylindrical bodies and typically more legs, with some species having up to 400 pairs, which are spread across a greater number of body segments, with two pairs of legs per segment. This anatomy results in a different style of movement compared to centipedes. Millipedes are slower movers, and their primary defence mechanism is not speed, but rather their ability to secrete toxic fluids to deter predators. Millipede locomotion involves a more deliberate, wave-like pattern, but with a distinct rhythm due to their two pairs of legs per segment.
As they move, the pairs of legs on one side of their body alternate with the corresponding pairs on the opposite side. This coordinated movement generates a smooth, undulating motion that helps millipedes crawl along the ground. Unlike centipedes, millipedes do not rely on flexibility to the same degree.
Instead, their cylindrical bodies roll in a way that allows the legs to move in a synchronised, coordinated fashion, propelling the millipede slowly forward.
This slower, more methodical movement is suited to the millipede's herbivorous diet, as they typically feed on decaying plant material and detritus, moving through leaf litter and soil in search of food. Their legs, though numerous, are not designed for rapid bursts of speed, but instead for providing a stable, efficient movement across the substrate.
Evolutionary adaptations: The contrasting locomotion strategies of centipedes and millipedes reflect their evolutionary niches. Centipedes are evolved to be fast and efficient predators, with their quick, coordinated leg movements aiding in capturing prey. Millipedes, on the other hand, are adapted for slower, deliberate movements, which are more suited to their role as decomposers.
Over millions of years, both creatures have evolved intricate ways of using their many legs to navigate through their environments, but the differences in their locomotion highlight the diverse strategies that arthropods use to survive and thrive in their respective habitats. There are nearly 3,000 known species of centipedes, and over 12,000 millipede species, making both creatures evolutionary success stories.
There’s a reason why people say animals are the best companions. Their love is pure, their loyalty unmatched, and their ability to connect with us on an emotional level is beyond explanation. Pets don’t need words to communicate; their presence alone can be the comfort we didn’t know we needed.
A wagging tail when you come home, a soft purr when you’re feeling low, or even the quiet nudge of a nose—these small moments remind us of the unconditional love animals offer. They don’t care about your status, mistakes, or past. To them, you are their world, and that’s a connection few humans can replicate.
Animals teach us to live in the moment. They don’t dwell on yesterday’s failures or stress about tomorrow’s uncertainties. They find joy in the simplest things—a walk, a belly rub, or a sunny spot to nap in. In a world that often feels too chaotic, they remind us to slow down and appreciate the here and now.
But the bond goes deeper. Studies show that spending time with pets can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and even improve mental health. They become our confidants, our therapists, and our cheerleaders, all rolled into one. For many, a pet isn’t “just an animal”—they’re family.
Even wild animals have a way of connecting with us. Watching birds soar or dolphins dance in the ocean can evoke awe and remind us of the beauty and harmony in nature. These moments ground us and make us feel part of something bigger.
And when we lose them, the pain is real. The grief of losing a pet or a beloved animal companion is as profound as losing a dear friend. But even in their absence, they leave behind lessons about love, loyalty, and living authentically.
Animals are mirrors of our best selves—kind, forgiving, and full of heart. They don’t ask for much, just love and care, yet they give us so much in return. In their presence, we find a love that’s uncomplicated, unjudged, and unending.
So cherish those moments, whether it’s the playful antics of a puppy, the quiet companionship of a cat, or even the gentle hum of nature around you. Animals remind us of the beauty of connection, one that goes beyond words, transcending species, and leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.
Have you ever noticed the foods that athletes keep during practices and matches?
Bananas are usually at the top of that list. But why bananas, and not just any and every fruit? In other words, what is so special about the banana that athletes and gym enthusiasts always have one in their kit?
The answer is simple. Bananas are one of the best ways to gain quick and sustained energy. In fact, they have often been called the 'perfect food' because they are rich in nutrients like potassium, zinc, iron, folic acid, calcium, Vitamin B6, and soluble fibre.
To be used as fuel, our system converts all foods into simple carbohydrates or sugars. This procedure takes up a lot of energy. That is why you feel tired after having a particularly large and heavy meal; it's because your body is working overtime in trying to digest the food! The carbohydrates in ripened bananas are already in their most basic form, making them easy to digest with minimal energy loss.
In bananas, there are two types of sugars-glucose and fructose. Glucose is the sugar that is the easiest to digest. It quickly enters your bloodstream and can be used to provide a burst of energy. Because fructose is absorbed more slowly, it provides a longer-lasting source of energy. Thus, you get quick besides long-lasting energy... a double win!
Moreover, potassium is necessary for normal muscular function. The lack of it leads to muscle cramps, weariness, and dehydration. Bananas provide the dense, readily available carbohydrates required to replenish muscle glycogen (muscle sugar) lost during exercise.
Thus, bananas are a perfect food for before, during or after any physical activity.
So, have you had your daily dose of bananas today?
The Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are a natural light display that can be seen in the night sky in the polar regions. They are caused by particles from the sun colliding with the Earth's magnetic field. The sun constantly emits a stream of charged particles, known as the solar wind. When the solar wind collides with the Earth's magnetic field, it causes a disturbance in the field. This disturbance creates an auroral oval around the Earth's magnetic poles, which is where the Northern Lights can be seen. The charged particles from the solar wind interact with the gases in the Earth's atmosphere, causing them to emit light. The colours of the Northern Lights depend on the type of gas that is being excited by the charged particles. For example, green Northern Lights are caused by oxygen molecules, while purple Northern Lights are caused by nitrogen molecules.
The strength and frequency of the Northern Lights can vary depending on the activity of the sun. During periods of high solar activity, the solar wind is stronger, which can result in more frequent and intense Northern Lights displays. It's important to note that the Northern Lights can only be seen in areas where the auroral oval intersects with the Earth's surface. This is why they are most commonly seen in the polar regions, such as Alaska, Canada, Scandinavia, and Russia.
In conclusion, the Northern Lights are a beautiful natural phenomenon that are caused by particles from the sun colliding with the Earth's magnetic field. The colors of the Northern Lights depend on the type of gas that is being emitted, and their frequency and intensity can vary depending on the activity of the sun.
Do you see the spider weaving its web? Is it waiting for an insect to get caught in its web or is it repairing the broken parts of the web? We cannot know the answer to this question, but still it is very fun to guess what the spider is doing.
Spiders secrete a special material called spider silk from glands in their abdomen. They weave webs by using this secretion. They use their webs to catch their prey, build nests and protect their eggs.
Spiders can make silks with different properties according to their needs. For example, they use dragline silk, which is very durable and flexible, to build the base of their webs or to hang down from a high place. This silk is so strong that it is even stronger than steel of the same thickness.
Spiders produce sticky silk to catch their prey easily. In this way, the prey caught in the web is stuck and the spider catches it quickly. Spiders also produce silks with different properties for various purposes such as protecting their eggs, making cocoons and wrapping around their prey.
Another important feature of spider silk is that it is an eco-friendly material because it can be broken down over time by small living things in nature and can disappear without harming the environment.
It’s just like a rubber, which can be stretched and then go back to its original shape. The properties of spider silk, such as its resistance to temperatures between -40 °C and 200 °C as well as its ability to absorb and hold moisture from the air, enable that the web remains surprisingly flexible and durable.
As a unique material with all these properties, spider silk has been researched by scientists and engineers for years. Scientists are trying to understand the structure of spider silk, and engineers are trying to produce artificial materials similar to spider silks. They are looking for innovative solutions inspired by the properties of spider silk. One such example is the glass protecting birds. Spider webs have a structure that reflects UV light (type of light that we can’t see with our eyes) to keep birds away from the web. Birds can see UV light, so they recognise spider webs and do not hit them. From this feature, scientists developed bird-friendly glass. Thanks to this glass, birds don’t crash into glass-covered buildings.
So, what do engineers think about how and in which other areas spider silk can be used?
Here are some of the project ideas: Lightweight and durable building materials inspired by spider silk can be used in the production of bridges, buildings or aerospace vehicles.
Spider silk can be used in sportswear and protective clothing thanks to its durability, lightness, flexibility, air permeability and moisture absorption properties.
Spider silk can be used to produce surgical sutures that can disappear over time in the human body.
Inspired by the structure of spider silk, a more durable, flexible and eco-friendly material can be produced instead of plastic.
Durable structures can be built by analysing the geometric structure of the spider web.
The water droplets accumulated in the web also satisfy the spider’s need for water. Based on the water retention property of spider silk, devices that collect water in the air can be produced.
Imagine looking up at the sky, waiting for rain, but instead of water droplets, you see fish falling! Sounds strange, right? Well, it may sound like something out of a storybook, but it’s actually real. There are places on Earth where it quite literally rains fish. One of the most famous places where this happens is a small town in Honduras called Yoro. There have also been fishy rains in other parts of the world, like Lajamanu in Australia. But how does this happen, and why?
In this blog post, we’re going to dive deep into this fascinating phenomenon and find out the science behind why fish fall from the sky.
Where Does It Rain Fish?
Yoro, Honduras: Home of the “Lluvia de Peces”
The small town of Yoro in Honduras is one of the most well-known places where it rains fish. Locals call it Lluvia de Peces, which literally means “rain of fish” in Spanish. According to the people of Yoro, this bizarre event happens at least once or twice a year, usually between May and July. It occurs after a heavy thunderstorm, with dark clouds and strong winds, and soon enough, fish are found scattered all over the ground.
Another place that experiences this unusual phenomenon is a remote town in Australia called Lajamanu. Back in 2010, the people of Lajamanu witnessed fish falling from the sky not once, but twice in the same week! This town is in the Northern Territory, in the middle of the Australian outback. So how did fish end up raining there?
The fish were identified as spangled perch, which are common in rivers and lakes across Australia. However, Lajamanu is hundreds of miles away from the nearest river. So, what caused this strange event? Let’s explore the science behind it.
The Science Behind Raining Fish
You may wonder, how is it even possible for fish to fall from the sky? Well, while it may seem magical, there’s a scientific explanation that can help us understand this mystery.
Water Spouts and Tornadoes
The most common scientific theory behind raining fish is that strong winds, such as waterspouts or tornadoes, are responsible for picking up fish from rivers or lakes and carrying them up into the sky. A waterspout is like a tornado that forms over a body of water. It has a powerful funnel of wind that can suck up water – and anything in it, including fish.
Once the fish are lifted high into the clouds by these winds, they can be carried for several miles. Eventually, when the storm loses its strength or the wind can no longer carry the fish, they fall back to the ground, creating what looks like a rain of fish!
Storms and Weather Conditions
In places like Yoro, the rainy season often brings intense thunderstorms. These storms, combined with powerful winds, can lift the fish out of the nearby rivers. It’s thought that the fish come from the Aguán River, which is located some distance from Yoro. When the winds are strong enough, they can carry the fish all the way to the town, where they eventually drop to the ground.
In Lajamanu, it’s likely that strong updrafts during the thunderstorms lifted the fish from a distant body of water and dropped them over the town. The spangled perch that fell are known to be hardy fish that can survive being out of water for a while, which explains why many of the fish were still alive when they hit the ground.
Fishy Rains Around the World
Honduras and Australia aren’t the only places where it has rained fish. There have been similar reports of fish falling from the sky in other parts of the world, including:
India: In 2008, people in the Kerala region witnessed fish raining down during a monsoon.
Iran: In 2023, a video went viral showing fish falling in a village after a rainstorm.
The United States: In 1947, in Louisiana, there was an event where fish rained down after a storm, causing quite a commotion!
These instances all have similar explanations—strong winds and storms carrying the fish from water sources and dropping them elsewhere. Although it’s rare, these events have been happening for many years and have been documented across the globe.
Is It Dangerous?
You might wonder if raining fish could be dangerous. After all, it’s not every day that fish fall from the sky! Fortunately, these events aren’t usually harmful to people, as the fish are typically small and light. However, it can be surprising for those who aren’t expecting it, and it can cause a bit of a mess with fish flopping around everywhere!
Why Do People Celebrate It?
In some places, raining fish is seen as a blessing. In Yoro, Honduras, people celebrate the Lluvia de Peces with a festival. They believe it’s a miracle and a gift of food from the heavens. After the fish fall, the locals collect them and cook them, sharing the meal with their community. For the people of Yoro, it’s more than just a strange weather event—it’s a sign of hope and abundance.
Can Other Things Rain from the Sky?
Believe it or not, fish aren’t the only things that have been reported to fall from the sky. Other animals, like frogs and birds, have also rained down in various places around the world. The same principle applies: powerful winds or storms lift these creatures into the air and drop them in places far from where they originally lived.
In 1873, a report from Kansas, USA, said that frogs rained down during a storm, and there have been other accounts of frogs falling in Serbia, Japan, and the UK. Like fish, these animals are caught up in strong winds and carried far away from their natural habitats.
Conclusion: While the idea of raining fish might seem unbelievable at first, it’s actually a rare but real event. Thanks to the power of nature, storms, waterspouts, and strong winds can lift fish out of rivers and lakes and carry them high into the sky, only to drop them down miles away from their homes.
Originally derived from Tamil, the word ‘vetiver’ means a ‘root that is dug up’. Its botanical name is Chrysopogon zizanioides. It is called khus in Hindi.
Ancient Ayurvedic texts refer to the use of ushira (Sanskrit word for khus roots) in wells and reservoirs to get rid of the foul smell orbitterness in water. It is found all over India, particularly along river banks and marshylands.
Vetiver is a perennial grass that is now cultivated in over 70 countries with both tropical and temperate climates. Scientists have recognized its vital role in reducing soil erosion, recharging ground water, and absorbing toxic pollutants in water. The grass has also found favour with the pharmaceutical industry because of its scented essential oil that is extracted from the roots. No wonder, the people of Mali in Africa call vetiver a ‘plant that never dies’.
Vetiver is used in numerous products—baskets, mats, brooms, coir netting in air coolers, etc. But the greatest use is in the rural areas where vetiver strips are planted to prevent soil erosion. In the village of Chellagurki in the Bellary district of Karnataka, some 5,000 strips have been ordered to stabilize the watershed area.
In China, vetiver has been grown for soil erosion although it was initially planted in the early 1950s to extract oil from its roots. The man credited for its wide distribution is Richard Grimshaw, a former official at the World Bank who took a thousand vetiver strips from Bangalore to China in 1988.
Snake plant, also known as Dracaena trifasciata or Mother-in-law's Tongue, is one of the easiest plants to care for, and is great for homes and offices alike. Beyond its low-maintenance nature, it's also celebrated for its air-purifying abilities, bringing both beauty and health benefits to any space.
● Light and watering needs: Snake plants thrive in low to medium light, making them perfect for dim corners or spaces with limited sunlight. That said, avoid total darkness - no plant enjoys that! Overwatering is a common problem, as their roots are prone to rot. The key is to water sparingly, letting the soil dry out between waterings.
Depending on the climate, watering every two-four weeks is usually enough.
● Soil and fertiliser: A succulent-type soil mix works best for snake plants, as it provides good drainage and helps prevent soggy roots. These plants aren't heavy feeders and only need a little fertiliser once or twice a year, preferably during their growing season (spring to summer). A diluted liquid fertiliser is ideal.
Temperature considerations: They prefer moderate temperatures, flourishing between 15-30°C.
They're great for indoor environments but should be kept away from cold drafts.
● Common issues: If you notice yellowing or soggy leaves, it's likely due to overwatering. Make sure your pot has proper drainage, and cut back on watering to prevent root rot.
● Propagation tips: Simply cut a healthy leaf into 5-6 inch segments and plant the lower end 3-4 cm deep in soil.
After a week, water the soil, and continue watering just once a month. New roots should begin to form in one or two months.
Super tip: This plant's tolerance for low light makes it a great option for dark hallways or even bathrooms, where other plants might struggle.
Its adaptability and resilience make it a musthave for any indoor garden!
Lovebirds are small, multi-hued parrots that get their name from their habit of pairing for life. If separated, they are believed to pine away!
There are nine species of lovebirds and they are native to sub-Saharan Africa with one species, the grey-headed, found only in Madagascar. Also known as short-tailed parrots, they are popular aviary birds as well as pets. One can find feral (a domesticated animal that returns to the wild after being released or escaping captivity) populations in the United States, Australia and South Africa.
Like parrots, lovebirds have bright green plumage on their bodies but different colours on their heads, ranging from crimson and orange, to deep rust and greyish white. They have hooked bills and zygodactyl feet, which means that two toes point forward and two toes point backward. Unlike parrots which can grow to around 100 cm in length, lovebirds range from 12 to 15 cm long.
Four species—the masked, black-cheeked, Nyasa and Fischer’s lovebirds—have distinctive white eye rings. They are monogamous, choosing to be with one mate for their lifespan of 15 years. Since parrots in general are social, gregarious birds that move about in big flocks, the lifelong pairing is believed to keep the group stable. It has been observed that if separated from its flock or if its companion dies, a lovebird shows signs of stress and behaves differently. If reunited, one will feed morsels of food to the other to rekindle the bond they shared!
In the wild, lovebirds like most parrots, live in cavities, such as tree holes, or niches in rocks and shrubs. They may nest together as a flock or as individual pairs. In cities, feral birds choose crevices in buildings or trees in urban parks to nest. Peach-faced or rosyfaced lovebirds in Phoenix, Arizona, often make their homes in cacti.
The nests are typically constructed of grass, stalks and bark. Some even build a domed roof over the nest. If the lovebirds are feeling lazy, they often occupy communal nests abandoned by weaver birds.
The birds may not be lovey-dovey all the time as their name suggests! Parrots are territorial and lovebirds, too, will attack other species and each other, especially during the breeding season.
Lovebirds eat seeds, berries, fruits, and occasionally insect larvae in the wild. In Africa, farmers consider them pests, as they love to feast on maize and millet crops.
Fact File
● Their closest relatives are hanging parrots found in Asia. The vernal hanging parrot is native to India.
● Fossils of ancient lovebird species dating as far back as 1.9 million years ago, have been unearthed in South Africa.
● In some species, the females sport different colours but in others, it is difficult to tell the two sexes apart.
● Lovebirds are affectionate, sociable and intelligent, making them ideal as pets. Fischer’s lovebird, the peach-faced lovebird and the black-masked lovebird are favourites. In fact, Fischer’s lovebird was so widely traded that its population declined drastically in the 1980s.
● Unlike other parrots, lovebirds cannot talk or mimic sounds. They are very noisy birds, though, twittering and chirping the livelong day!
● Unusually, after moulting, a lovebird’s feathers may grow back in a jumble of colours it didn’t have before!
In the depths of the Indian Ocean, where sea water is heated by underlying magma reaching 750 degree Fahrenheit or more, a snail wanders around in its shell made of iron. This is the scaly-foot snail, also known as the Volcano snail, and it’s perhaps one of the most absurd creatures in the world.
First discovered in 2001, the Volcano snail is endemic to three known hydrothermal vent fields along the deep-sea ridges in the Indian Ocean. Down there, magma is pouring out from under the ground and bringing toxins with it, leaving almost no room for oxygen. This is an extremely tough environment, which is why the Volcanic snail has evolved amazing features to adapt and thrive.
There's no food since it's three kilometers below the surface, which is why the snail has evolved to live primarily on bacteria, meaning that the snail isn’t eating food but instead relying on microbes for sustenance.
The snail has evolved a special gut where bacteria live and produce food. They break down the chemicals that leak from the volcanic vents, creating food in the process. Besides food, these bacteria also help keep the snail alive in extremely hot conditions
The Volcano snail draws iron sulphide from its environment to develop a suit of armour to protect its soft parts. It’s the only known organism to incorporate metals into its skeleton, both into its shell and into the hundreds of external scales. Another cool fact about the Volcano snail is its big heart, which is approximately four percent of its body volume. This makes it the largest heart relative to body size in the entire animal kingdom, helping the snail to live in an oxygen-lacking environment. Thus, scientists have associated the snail with a big-hearted knight in shining armour.
Sadly, the Volcano snail is on the verge of extinction. In 2019, it was listed as endangered. Their existence is continuously under threat due to deep-sea mining operations interfering with their habitat.
The polar bear is perfectly suited to live in the cold, harsh tundra of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia. Standing up to 10 feet tall, it is the world’s largest bear and the Arctic’s top predator. Its scientific name, Ursus maritimus, means “sea bear” for good reason. The polar bear spends much of its life in, around, or on the Arctic Ocean. A skilled swimmer, the polar bear can swim at a top speed of 40 kilometers per hour, paddling with its front paws while holding its hind legs flat like a rudder. Its paws are slightly webbed.
On land, its dinner plate-sized paws act like natural snowshoes when it walks on snow and ice. The polar bear is built to stay warm. The water-repellent outer layer of its fur is hollow and reflects light, giving it a white colour, which helps camouflage it in the snow. The skin underneath its fur is actually black. (You can see this yourself from its black nose.) There is a 4-inch layer of fat below the surface of the bear’s skin to trap body heat in the freezing Arctic environment. No cuddly teddy bear, the polar bear has quite the bite thanks to its 42 razorsharp teeth, jagged back teeth, and canines, which are larger than a grizzly’s. Other adaptations are a third eyelid to help protect the bear’s eyes from the elements, a blue tongue, and an excellent sniffer. The polar bear’s sensitive nose can smell a seal on ice 20 miles away.
This carnivore gives its seal of approval mainly to ringed and bearded seals. These seals provide them with large amounts of fat, which polar bears need to survive. The crafty bears rest silently at a seal’s breathing hole in the ice, waiting for the seal to surface, or pounce through the roof of the den to capture young seals. Polar bears also hunt by swimming beneath the ice. They spend more than 50% of their time hunting, catching maybe one or two seals for every 10 they hunt. Although they don’t hibernate, polar bears take a “winter sleep.” Their body functions do slow down, but they can easily wake up. While food is scarce for other types of bears in the winter, polar bears have seals to eat all winter long, so they don’t need to hibernate.
When it comes to dens, males and females are polar opposites. Males don’t live in dens, but pregnant females do. In the fall, females make dens in earth and snowbanks along the coast. They need the “heated” space to protect their tiny cubs. Dens can be 38°F warmer than the outside temperature. Litters of one to three cubs are born and fed during the winter sleep. At birth, babies are only 1.5 pounds—about the size of a stick of butter. They are born hairless with their eyes closed. Mother’s milk contains 35% fat to help the cubs grow quickly. By the time mother bear emerges from her den in spring, her cubs weigh more than 20 pounds. The tumbling “cub scouts” follow her out into the bright world, ready to explore and learn to hunt.
It’s lonely at the top—of the food chain. Polar bears eat everything, and nothing eats them, (except for native hunters). So why has their Hudson Bay population declinced by 20% in the past 20 years? Climate change, melting sea ice, and a decline in the number of seals are taking their toll. In 2011, a female swam for nine days nonstop to get to sea ice, losing her cub along the way. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) predicts that two-thirds of all polar bears will disappear by 2050.
