Body mass, temperature and cost of walking in polar bears

Abstract

Body temperatures and oxygen consumption of three sub-adult polar bears (Ursus maritimus) during treadmill exercise are presented. Comparisons are also made with results from prior studies of polar bear locomotion. The increase in body temperature and the metabolic cost were unexpectedly high, particularly in young animals. An equation describing the cost of locomotion versus body mass shows a negative, and apparently linear relationship. A significant correlation between body temperature and oxygen consumption may permit the use of body temperature telemetry to estimate activity metabolism of free-ranging polar bears.