Time budgets of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) on North Twin Island, James Bay, during summer

Abstract

During the summers of 1969 and 1970 polar bears (Ursus maritimus) were observed on North Twin Island (53°20′ N; 80°00′ W), James Bay. Almost all of their time (86.8%) was spent resting. They spent only 3.2% of their time feeding, primarily on geese (Branta canadensis) and crowberries (Empetrum nigrum). There was no difference between the time budgets of lone bears and females accompanied by cubs.