3 reasons why polar bears smell so well: Polar bears have an exceptional sense of smell, exceeding any known breed of dog, and well beyond the capacity of a human to understand. 1 - sterile environment. Polar Bears spend most of their life on the Arctic Sea Ice. This vast expanse of relatively sterile and scent free habitat makes any scent important. Their primary food source, the Ringed Seal, uses breathing holes as well as hauls out on the surface to rest and moult their fur. Polar Bears can h