Observations of a wild polar bear (Ursus maritimus) successfully fishing Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) and Fourhorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus quadricornis) |
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Authors: | M. G. Dyck S. Romberg |
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Affiliation: | (1) Environmental Technology Program, Nunavut Arctic College, Box 600, Iqaluit, NU, Canada, X0A 0H0;(2) Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Central and Arctic Region, Eastern Arctic Area, P.O. Box 358, Iqaluit, NU, Canada, X0A 0H0;(3) Department of Environment, Wildlife Research Section, Government of Nunavut, Box 209, Iglulik, NU, Canada, X0A 0L0 |
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Abstract: | Polar bears, Ursus maritimus, throughout their range, are nutritionally dependent on ringed (Phoca hispida) and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus), which are predominantly caught on the sea ice. Other marine prey species are caught and consumed, but less frequently. As the annual sea ice retreats, polar bears throughout their range are forced ashore, where they mostly live off their stored adipose tissue. However, while land-bound they have been observed catching birds and terrestrial mammals. Although polar bears evolved from brown bears (U. arctos), direct observations of polar bears diving for and catching fish have not been reported. Here, we document observations of a young male polar bear catching Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus) and Fourhorn sculpin (Myoxocephalus quadricornis) by diving in Creswell Bay, Nunavut. We recorded six search bouts, where six fish were caught during dives, which were preceded by a snorkel. The average dive and snorkel length was (mean ± SD) 13 ± 5 and 6 ± 2 s, respectively. |
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Keywords: | Polar bear Ursus maritimus Fishing behaviour Arctic charr Fourhorn sculpin Nunavut |
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