Svalbard, Norway

The Polar bear eats seaweed while he strolls along the beach. We see the Arctic predator from the side, while still, some seaweed is hanging out of its mouth.

copyright Anette Mossbacher, 10 April, 2023

Buy a license or print

This photograph was captured with a Canon EOS-1D X and a lens. The following settings were used:

  • Aperture: ƒ/6.3
  • Exposure time: 1/640s
  • ISO: 800
  • Focal Length: 400mm

The original photograph has the following dimensions: 4798 by 3199 pixels (WxH).

Thanks for sharing!

The Polar bear eats seaweed while he strolls along on the beach. This behavior of eating seaweed is shown from time to time. Polar bears can also cause problems in the Arctic ecosystem due to being on top of the food chain. Having no natural predators, we consider them apex predators. Polar bears are likely the most significantly affected species as the Arctic warms and ice melts. A hungry Polar bear eats everything, even garbage. So there is no wonder that this Polar bear eats seaweed/kelp. Fat is what they need the most to survive. A bear can eat up to 1.8 kilograms / 3.9 pounds of fat daily. Sometimes they do not find the food they need. Instead, the Polar bear eats vegetation, bird eggs, fish, and anything else they can find.

Facts About Polar Bears, Ursus maritimus

  • Habitat and range lie mainly within the Arctic circle.
  • Their skin is black, and their fur seems to be white, which is transparent.
  • It is the largest carnivore on land.
  • An apex predator is also called a top predator.
  • Polar bears mainly eat seals, but anything they can find when hungry.
  • Most of their time is spent at sea and on ice.

Polar bears are the top hunters in the Arctic. Climate change happens, and their habitat is drastically declining. Therefore, Ursus maritimus, and Polar bears are listed as a threatened species on the IUCN list.

All my photographs are available for sale as stock photos and wall art photo prints on different print materials. Discover more Wildlife Photographs from the Arctic in our Arctic Circle theme.

This photograph is available to be purchased as a print. We offer our prints as unmounted fine art prints and framed prints that are ready-to-hang on your wall out of the box. Another option is that it can be licensed for personal or commercial use. Just click the add_shopping_cart icon left-hand side above the photo to select your choice.

For more information about the various types of prints we offer to purchase, please visit our Purchasing a print FAQ page.

Our Photo Licensing FAQ page explains the license types and helps you to choose the right license for your needs.

Before making a purchase, please read our Terms & Conditions page.

2 comments for Polar Bear Eats Seaweed On Beach

  1. Stephen

    This polar bear eats seaweed! I thought only meat. Great photo, Anette

    • Anette Mossbacher

      No, they also eat seaweed, birds, and eggs. They even climb up cliffs to get to the bird nests!

  2. Clare

    Superb photo capturing the polar bear in it’s tough environment 👏👏👏👏

    • Anette Mossbacher

      I was amazed to see this bear eating seaweed. Thanks, Clare.

Add a comment