Polar bears communicate with each other through a combination of body language and vocalizations. A deep growl serves as a warning to other bears. Growls are frequently employed to defend a food source.

To beg food from another bear, a polar bear will approach slowly, circle around the carcass, and then meekly offer a nose-to-nose greeting. Bears who observe proper manners are frequently allowed to share a kill.

When a polar bear wants to play, he communicates this to another bear by wagging his head from side to side. An adult bear may also initiate a play session by standing on his hind legs, with chin lowered to his chest and front paws hanging by his side. In adult bears such play sessions involve ritualized fighting or mock battles.

Among polar bears, hissing and snorting signify aggression, as does a lowered head. A loud roar or growl communicates anger, and a "chuffing" sound is a response to stress.

An attacking polar bear will charge forward with head down and ears laid back. Submissive polar bears always move downwind of dominant bears.

Mother bears scold their cubs with a low growl or a soft cuff. When a male approaches a female with cubs, she defends her young by rushing at him with a lowered head.