Polar Bear Sleeping Under Full Moon

Svalbard, Norway

A Polar bear is sleeping under a full moon while nestled in cliffs above the Arctic sea. Above the animal is the bright full moon, beautifully balanced against a dark purple sky.

copyright Anette Mossbacher, 17 July, 2023
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This photograph was captured with a Canon EOS-1D Mark IV and a lens. The following settings were used:

  • Aperture: ƒ/5.6
  • Exposure time: 1/800s
  • ISO: 4000
  • Focal Length: 600mm

The original photograph has the following dimensions: 3264 by 4896 pixels (WxH).

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A Polar bear sleeping under a full moon while comfortably nestled in cliffs above the Arctic sea. Above the animal floats the full moon, balanced against a dark purple sky. Walking along the Karl XII island, this bear climbs up the cliff to find a cozy spot. I had to take this photo from the zodiac. There was no other way to get this polar bear sleeping under the full moon except by using a zodiac/boat. What a privilege it was, primarily to photograph a polar bear under the full moon in such an impressive light.

Polar bears spend most of their time at sea. Therefore, they are classified as marine mammals. They are affected by the gas and oil industry, as well as climate change. Polar bears are apex predators; they do not have any natural predators.

Some Facts About Polar Bears, Ursus maritimus

  • A polar bear’s habitat is mainly the Arctic circle.
  • Their skin is black, not white.
  • The hair is translucent, not white. It reflects light, that’s why it appears white.
  • Largest terrestrial carnivore.
  • Only pregnant female Polar bears sleep during winter. They give birth during that time and nurse their cubs.
  • Seals make up most of a polar bears’ diet. When hungry, they will eat anything.
  • They are excellent climbers also on steep cliffs.

Polar bears, Ursus maritimus, are listed as a threatened species in the IUCN list.

Please visit the Arctic wildlife photos gallery or the Black and White Fine Art Portfolio. All my nature photographs are for sale as a stock photo license and fine art photo prints online. Select your choice of print material, such as acrylic, modern metal, canvas, and fine art paper.

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2 comments for Polar Bear Sleeping Under Full Moon

  1. Ruth Koprek –

    Absolutely breathtaking.

    • Anette Mossbacher –

      Thanks so much, Ruth.

  2. Stefan S. –

    Oh wow, this photo is beautiful with the Polar bear sleeping under the full moon.

    • Anette Mossbacher –

      Yes, we were lucky to get such sighting of the Polar bear.
      Thank you very much.
      Ciao Anette

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