Book 18, Question 64
Why Don’t Polar Bear Paws Slip on Ice?
Polar bear paws do not slip on ice because they are covered with tiny bumps! The bumps grip the ice like a rubber doormat. And their huge paws spread out the bear's weight, too.
More fun facts
- Polar bear paw pads are covered with tiny bumps.
- The bumps act like tiny fingers that add friction.
- That extra grip helps keep polar bears from slipping on snow.
- Scientists compared paws of polar bears, brown bears, black bears and a sun bear; all but the sun bear had bumps.
- Tests with 3-D printed models showed taller bumps give more traction.
Sources: Science News Explores
Questions kids ask
Which bear had no bumps on its paws?
The sun bear. Polar bears, brown bears and black bears all had them.