Polar Bears Feed Millions of Kilograms of Food to Arctic Scavengers

A new study has uncovered that polar bears play a huge ecological role in the Arctic — not just as hunters, but as unexpected food suppliers for many other species. Every year, these apex predators collectively leave behind millions of kilograms of meat from their hunts, which become a vital food source for scavengers across the frozen north.

How Polar Bears Support the Food Web

Researchers estimate that the global polar bear population provides roughly 7.6 million kilograms of leftover prey annually. These remains — mostly from seals — are consumed by animals such as Arctic foxes, gulls, ravens, wolves, and even other bears.

Each individual bear is believed to leave behind about 300 kilograms of edible remains per year, creating a consistent food supply that connects the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the Arctic.

Why This Matters

The discovery shows that polar bears act as a bridge between ocean and land life. When they hunt seals on sea ice, the leftovers feed animals on land once the carcasses drift or are dragged to shore. Without the bears, many scavengers would face food shortages during harsh winters when resources are limited.

Threats to the System

However, scientists warn that this “free meal chain” is at risk. As sea ice continues to shrink due to climate change, polar bears are finding it harder to hunt. With fewer successful hunts, the total amount of leftover prey is expected to drop significantly — meaning that species relying on bear kills could also decline.
In some regions where polar bear numbers have fallen, the estimated loss of carcass food is already over 300 tonnes per year.

This research sheds light on how the disappearance of a top predator can ripple through an entire ecosystem. Conservationists now emphasize that protecting polar bears isn’t only about saving a species — it’s about preserving an entire Arctic food network that depends on them.