Polar Bears

What's driving their decline?

• Climate change: The loss of sea ice due to global warming is the most significant threat to polar bears. They rely on sea ice for hunting, breeding, and traveling. As the ice melts, their habitat shrinks, and they must travel longer distances to find food.
• Commercial activities: Hunting and oil and gas development pose additional threats to polar bears. Hunting quotas, while in place, still contribute to population decline. Oil spills and other pollution can contaminate their environment and food sources.
• Human-bear conflict: As human activity in the Arctic increases, conflicts with polar bears become more frequent. These encounters can be dangerous for both humans and bears.
• Disease: Polar bears are susceptible to diseases carried by other animals, such as dogs and foxes. These diseases can spread quickly through populations and have a devastating impact.

What can we do to help?

• Reduce our carbon footprint: By taking action to reduce climate change, we can help protect polar bear habitat and ensure their survival.
• Support conservation efforts: Organizations like Polar Bears International and the World Wildlife Fund are working to protect polar bears and their habitat. Your donations can make a difference.
• Educate others: Spread awareness about the plight of polar bears and the importance of conservation. The more people who know about the threats facing polar bears, the more likely we are to take action to protect them.

Remember

• Polar bears are an iconic species that play a vital role in the Arctic ecosystem.
• Climate change is the biggest threat to polar bears, but other factors like hunting and human-bear conflict also contribute to their decline.
• We can all do our part to help polar bears by reducing our carbon footprint, supporting conservation efforts, and educating others.