Paws have non-slip grip: polar bears

1 of 1 Eisbär 1996-07-23 / Ansgar Walk / License

The paws of polar bears grip ice well due to the rough surface of their pads.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Move or stay put >
	Move >
	In/on solids

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Quiet tires with better traction on snow and ice, better non-slip soles for shoes, non-slip flooring options.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"A polar bear spends the winter living on sea ice—ice formed when the ocean freezes. But the bear has no trouble keeping its footing on slippery ground. Its paws are perfect for getting around on a slick, cold surface. Rough pads give it a nonslip grip, and thick fur between the pads keeps the bear’s feet warm. It uses the sharp, curved claws on its front paws like hooks to climb onto the ice from the water. Polar bears' claws also help them dig in the ice when they hunt seals." (Kranking 2001)

About the inspiring organism

Polar bear
Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774
[Polar bear]

IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
Other Conservation Info: Listed as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act
Habitat(s): Marine Neritic, Marine Oceanic, Shrubland

Some organism data provided by: ITIS: The Integrated Taxonomic Information System
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Quiet tires with better traction on snow and ice, better non-slip soles for shoes, non-slip flooring options.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Trucking and automotive, shoe manufacturing, flooring

References

Kathy Kranking. 2001. Bear Necessities: How Polar Bears Survive the Deep Freeze. National Geographic Kids Magazine [Internet], Accessed 9/24/2007.

Paws have non-slip grip: polar bears

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