How fast can a polar bear swim?

A polar bear can swim at about 10 km/h.

That speed describes a strong, sustained swimming pace rather than a sprint comparable with its running speed on land. Polar bears are excellent swimmers, using their large front paws to paddle while their hind legs trail behind as rudders. Their partially webbed forepaws help propel them through Arctic water.

Swimming is essential because sea ice is constantly shifting and may leave open-water channels between feeding areas. Polar bears can swim for hours and have been recorded crossing very long distances; one study documented individual swims ranging from 53.7 to 687.1 km during periods of extensive open water. Such journeys are energetically expensive, especially for cubs.

The cold does not immediately overwhelm them because a thick layer of body fat, dense underfur and water-repellent guard hairs provide insulation and buoyancy. Do not confuse their swimming speed with their maximum running speed: a polar bear can run far faster on land, but only in short bursts because its insulation makes overheating a serious risk.