How many babies does a polar bear have in one life time?
In the wild polar bears are estimated to live 25 to 30 years. Annual adult mortality is estimated to be 8-16%. In captivity a female was still alive at 45 years in old at the Detroit Zoo in 1999. An average of 2 cubs are born in the mother’s den between November and January, litter sizes can range from 1 to 4. She remains in hibernation, nursing her cubs until April. The mortality rate for cubs is estimated to be 10-30%. Breeding interval Females breed yearly. Age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female) 3.50 years (low); avg. 5.50 years Source: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Ursus_maritimus.html Ave lifespan of female =about 27 years minus 5.5 years to reach maturity -4 years for old age = 19.5 years to breed on average multiplied by an average litter of 2 cubs = 39 polar bears produced by mother per lifetime considering an approximate 25% mortality rate for cubs = approximately 30 polar bears will reach just maturity per each Mamma Bear.
