How to See a Wild Polar Bear

For some, seeing a polar bear in a zoo or on television isn't enough. Viewing one in the wild offers a once-in-a-lifetime thrill most people will never experience. Due to their remote habitat, you will need to travel to the Arctic during certain times of the year to catch sight of one of these magnificent creatures. Read on to learn how to see a wild polar bear.

Instructions

1. Travel to the Arctic to view a wild polar bear. Polar bears live in regions where temperatures average well below zero during the winter and around the freezing point in other seasons. These large animals travel over three thousand miles each year in search of food. Polar bear sightings happen most often in countries such as Canada, Russia, Norway, the United States and Greenland although they can be found in other far northern areas.

2. Look for polar bears between June and November. During the winter months, polar bears are hunting seals on ice floes and are relatively inaccessible. The best time to see polar bears in the wild tends to be just before winter "freeze up" when bears congregate in places like Churchill, Manitoba to wait for the ice.

3. Book a polar bear tour with a reputable, experienced guide. Guided tours and vacations offer the best chances of sighting a polar bear in the wild. Guides know where to generally find polar bears and about the history, ecosystem and other animals in the area. Taking a tour which lasts several days gives you a cushion in case you don't see a polar bear the first day.

4. Take a cruise. Some companies offer Arctic cruises to view wildlife such as polar bears, seals, reindeer and other animals. As the cruises are more general than a tour centered on polar bears, you will see more but you will also have less time with wild polar bears.

5. Become a polar bear researcher. For those looking for a way to spend years studying polar bears and their habitat, consider joining a research team or organization. You will need an advanced degree in most cases.