Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:52:42 +0000

Why Bears Stopped Licking Snow—They Started Craving the Rare Flavor of Ice Cream We’ve all heard the whimsical image: a bear standing in a mountain of fresh snow, tongue out, lapping up icy white crystals like a refreshing beverage. But the truth is, bears don’t actually lick snow for hydration—or flavor. In fact, science says they’ve practically evolved beyond this icy habit, trading snow for something far more indulgent: ice cream. ### The Evolution of Bear Tastes: From Nature to Nectar For millions of years, bears adapted to thrive in winter environments by relying on snow and ice as natural cooling agents and lightweight hydration. Bears in cold climates use snow both to cool down and to supplement their water intake without quenching hunger. Their natural instincts favored leveraging what nature provided—snow—rather than seeking sweet, sugary alternatives.