Sea ice serves as a habitat to a wide range of creatures living on, below, and within sea ice, including polar bears. Melting sea ice is increasingly forcing polar bears in many regions of the Arctic to move to land during the summer, meaning they have to swim more frequently and for longer distances to catch seals. More time in the water also means that more energy is required, so they have to work harder than ever for their dinner.
Polar bears are Olympian-grade swimmers, however they are at risk of drowning if the weather turns during a long-distance swim. Longer swims also put cubs at risk.