Polar bears have four, very big paws. Each one can be up to 30 cm wide. The paws act like snowshoes, keeping the polar bear from sinking too far into the snow.

Each polar bear paw has five short, but very sharp, claws. The bottom of each paw has a rough, leathery patch of skin called a footpad. Each paw has five toes. Each toe also has a pad. These pads and claws grip the ice and keep the polar bear from slipping.

Webbing between the toes helps it swim.

Good grip on the ice is very important to polar bears. One slip while hunting, and the prey escapes. The bear is left hungry.