Polar bears are highly specialized predators, perfectly adapted to life in the Arctic. Weighing between 900 to 1,600 pounds, adult males are larger than females and rely heavily on their thick layer of blubber and dense fur to insulate them from freezing temperatures. Their black skin beneath the white fur absorbs heat from the sun, while large paws help distribute their weight when walking on thin ice and make them efficient swimmers. Polar bears primarily hunt seals, particularly ringed and bearded seals, using sea ice as a platform. Known for their keen sense of smell, they can detect prey nearly a mile away or buried under several feet of snow.