The polar bear is a slow breeder. Most females reach breeding age at four or five years, and usually do not breed more than once every two or three years. Males take longer to mature, about six years, but often begin mating as late as ten years due to stiff competition with other males for mates. Breeding occurs from March to June, when one male may mate with several females. Mother and cubs remain in their den until late March or April.
Cubs stay with their mother for two years or a bit longer.
Aside from courting adults and females with young, polar bears generally live alone. In some areas, such as walrus colonies, they may scavenge and feed together, but they hunt alone. The bears sniff out seals and catch them when they surface at breathing holes in the ice, stalk them when they rest on the ice, and break into their ice dens. Food availability and the seasonal ebb and flow of ice keep them on the go. They wander widely, and can cover more than 40 miles a day.