Polar Bear (1) vs. Narwhal (2)

Polar bears need a lot of energy to survive in the Arctic. They prefer high-fat prey and sometimes slow their metabolism when food is scarce. Narwhals, on the other hand, are amazing divers. Their flexible rib cages help them handle deep water pressure, and they can go a long time without breathing.

In the high Arctic, a narwhal swims alone near the shore after escaping from orcas. A polar bear sits nearby on the sea ice, finishing a recent meal. While whales aren’t always a main food source, polar bears will hunt them when the opportunity is right.

Suddenly, both animals are magically transported to a geothermal lagoon in New Zealand. Warm, shallow water surrounds them. The narwhal, stressed and confused, gets stuck on a muddy sandflat. When narwhals are under extreme stress, their heart rate can slow dramatically to conserve oxygen.

The polar bear quickly realizes the narwhal can’t escape in shallow water. Spring is peak feeding season, and the bear takes advantage of the rare opportunity.

Polar bear defeats narwhal!