Why do polar bears eat mostly seals?

Polar bears are overwhelmingly carnivorous and rely on seals as their primary prey because they inhabit the Arctic region, where seals are a readily available and energy-dense food source.1

These bears have evolved specific hunting strategies to exploit the sea ice environment, which serves as their platform for stalking and ambushing pinnipeds like the ringed seal and bearded seal. Polar bears utilize their white appearance—an optical effect caused by hollow, transparent hairs—as camouflage to remain undetected in the open, snowy terrain while hunting. Furthermore, they prefer ice that is subject to periodic fracturing, as these gaps provide seals with necessary access to air and water, creating ideal ambush points for the bears.123

While polar bears are opportunistic and may consume other items like stranded whale carcasses or berries, seals provide the essential nutrition required for their survival in a frigid, demanding habitat.1