When the seas north of Alaska freeze over in autumn, polar bears stake out the breathing holes carved by seals. But with the Arctic climate warming, the ice cover is forming later and later in the year. Winter comes quickly to the Arctic. The first sign of freezing brings polar bears down to the southern edge of the permanently frozen ice cap that blankets the North Pole. The bears have spent the summer on the ice, hoping to catch an occasional seal, and the approach of winter brings the promise of a feast.
Waters Freeze Over The bears know they have to move quickly.
The northern coast of Alaska may still be 150 miles to the south, but the rapidly dropping temperature means the waters of the Chukchi and Beaufort seas to the north of Siberia and Alaska will soon get their first new skin of winter ice. In winter, the Chukchi and Beaufort seas to the north of Alaska freeze over. However, with Arctic temperatures rising, the freezing is happening later in the year. The bears will search for holes in the new ice, carved by bearded seals and ringed seals. The holes allow the seals to come up for air while hunting Arctic cod and other fish below the ice, but the water freezes quickly, and unless the seals vigilantly keep the holes free they soon freeze over.