Allona

[cuteASAbug]

Originally Posted by AlphaFrog

According to this tigers love to swim. I think I remember reading once that the only mammals that are born without the natural ability to swim are humans and monkeys.

What about polar bears?

[fantASTic]

Originally Posted by cuteASAbug

What about polar bears?

Dude, they live in Snowville by the ocean. They eat fish. They HAVE to swim.

[Benzgirl]

Originally Posted by cuteASAbug

What about polar bears?

1. Polar bears are strong swimmers; they swim across bays or wide leads without hesitation. They can swim for several hours at a time over long distances. They've been tracked swimming continuously for 100 km (62 mi.) (Stirling, 1988).
2. A polar bear's front paws propel them through the water dog-paddle style. The hind feet and legs are held flat and are used as rudders.
3. A thick layer of blubber (fat), up to 11 cm (4.3 in.) thick, keeps the polar bear warm while swimming in cold water (Stirling, 1988).
4. Polar bears can obtain a swimming speed of 10 kph (6.2 mph) (Stirling, 1988).
5. The hair of a polar bear easily shakes free of water and any ice that may form after swimming.
6. A polar bear's nostrils close when under water.