Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) crawling on thin ice
It has been quite a while since I published an image, so I thought I would put up a funny one, one that I really like about Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) because it shows the (deceivingly) goofy side of these white, fluffy and yet deadly giants.
Beside being funny, the image actually shows an interesting behavior: when they are approaching thin ice, polar bears assume this position and start crawling on the ice so that their considerable weight more evenly spreads out a wider surface, thus reducing the risk of breaking through the ice and going for a cold swim.
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Clicks & Corks 
This is exactly what I need right now to cool myself down, Stefano. I put my front head next to polar bear and it already feels a lot better, phew. He looks gorgeous! ❤ When can we expect to see more of Sofia, I wonder? 🙂
We are experiencing a heat wave in the Rhine Valley, tomorrow it'll be more than 36°C, quite unusual for this time of the year.
Wishing you a sunny weekend, all Four of you! 🙂 With lost of hugs,
Dina
BTW, we are preparing something about the symbolism of dogs some time in the distant future. If you'd like to join us, just send me a shot of Sofia, width 1280… and we'll link you up.
Stefano as well as being a great image, it made me laugh. Thank you. 😉
Another fantastic picture, Stefano! And thanks for explaining the behaviour, I’ve actually wondered why they do that. 🙂
Excellent!
Thank you: you are too kind! 🙂
Haha, there can never be too many polar bear photos Stefano! They are such amazing creatures. The crawling behaviour is pretty fascinating. It makes perfect sense… I love how intelligent animals are, purely by instinct (I know that’s a contradiction but it makes sense in my head!). Fantastic shot!
Ridiculously cute!!! ❤