Polar bear locomotion: body temperature and energetic cost

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Abstract
Metabolic response of a 190-kg polar bear was tested at 4 different walking speeds within a respiration chamber mounted on a treadmill. Regressions of deep body temperature and O2 consumption as a function of walking speed were determined. Equilibrium deep body temperature increased exponentially with speed of locomotion and indicated a relative inability to dissipate metabolic heat at high walking speeds. Metabolic rate, as measured by weight-specific O2 consumption, was also best fit by a curvilinear equation and was twice that predicted by a general equation for quadruped locomotion. The apparent inefficiency of locomotion in polar bears suggests a compromise between thermoregulation, hunting strategies, and economy of transport.

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