Could polar bear leftovers hold the key to survival in the Arctic?

Polar bears are the Arctic’s most recognisable apex predators, often celebrated for their hunting skills and ability to survive in extreme, ice-bound conditions. While their predatory behaviour is well studied, less attention has been given to their role in supporting the broader ecosystem through the provision of carrion. When polar bears feed on seals and other marine mammals, remnants of their kills become vital sources of nutrition for a wide range of scavengers, including Arctic foxes, gulls, ravens, and occasionally larger terrestrial mammals. These indirect contributions create intricate networks of energy transfer and nutrient cycling, sustaining Arctic communities during periods when resources are scarce. Understanding these ecological interactions is increasingly urgent as clima