Why Do Polar Bears Dig Snow Dens?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do polar bears dig snow dens?

The Big Idea

Polar bears dig snow dens because snow is a great blanket for newborn cubs! Mother bears dig the dens in big snowdrifts. Outside it may be freezing, but inside stays much warmer.

Dig a Den

Step one: dig the den. A mother polar bear digs a den in a big, deep snowdrift. In Canada, many dens are near Hudson Bay.

Trap the Warmth

Step two: use snow as a blanket. Snow is full of tiny air pockets, which make it a great insulator. It traps warmth inside, even when it is very cold outside.

Tiny Cubs

Step three: raise the cubs. The cubs are born in winter and are tiny, about the size of a guinea pig. They stay snug in the den until spring.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A short tunnel leads in from outside. The den has a room where mom and her cubs sleep. The thick snow roof keeps out the wind and cold. And the tiny air pockets in the snow hold in the heat.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Newborn polar bear cubs weigh less than a kilogram. Mothers stay in the den for months, and care for their cubs. Snow can be warmer than frozen air outside. Polar bears are wild, so we admire them from far away.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Draw a cross-section of a polar bear den. Show the entrance tunnel, the sleeping room, the snow roof, and the air pockets. Look at your drawing. How does the shape help keep heat in?

Outro

Snow dens help polar bear cubs stay warm. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!