Arctic Polar Bears a Threatened Species

Ice Dwelling Predators Environment Melting Due to Global Warming

Dec 26, 2008

Arctic dwelling polar bears are losing their feeding grounds to global warming and are threatened with extinction according to World Wildlife Organization (WWF).

Polar Bears are a species of bear that lives to the far north and pad across the arctic ice from Alaska to Russia and from Canada to Greenland to Norway’s Svalvard archipelago. Current estimates are that the worldwide population of the Ice Bear is 20,000 to 25,000 bears, with about 60% living in Canada. The ice dwelling bears are a threatened species, due to global warming.

Polar Bears a Threatened Species

According to the World Wildlife Organization WWF), the Polar Bear is threatened with extinction, due to global warming.

Polar Bears are not currently endangered, but their future is not certain. Currently there are 20-25,000 polar bears living in the wild. In 1973 an agreement restricting the hunting of polar bears was signed by Canada, the United States, Denmark, Norway and the former U.S.S.R. The agreement also directs each nation to protect polar bear habitats.

The agreement helps the cause of polar bears, but cannot protect against global warming. Scientists believe that if current trends of global warming continue, polar bears will be vulnerable to extinction within the next century.

Polar Bears Feeding Grounds

Polar bears spend most of their lives on the sea ice, where they hunt seals, walrus, beluga whales, fish and seabirds. During the summer months the sea ice melts and the bears are forced to spend their time on dry land.

Usually the polar bears are only on dry land when they are moving between feeding areas, looking for a mate, resting or having cubs.

Polar bears eat most of their food on the sea ice, between late April and mid-July.

Global warming brings up the temperatures of the vital feeding ground of the Polar bears, reducing their season of hunting.

In addition to the threats of lost hunting opportunities, the bears are threatened by late winter rains, which can cause the dens to collapse, exposing the cubs to predators and harsh elements.

Polar Bear Facts

Polar bears range in weight from 200 pounds to 1,700 pounds. Females are smaller, ranging from 200 to 700 pounds. Males range from 550 to 1,700 pounds. The bears grow from 6 to 8 feet tall.

The Ice Bears are adapted to survive the harsh Arctic temperatures where temperatures can plunge to - 45 C. Two layers of fur insulate the bears, so they do not lose heat in the frigid temperatures. Polar bears are more likely to overheat than to get cold.

Polar Bears live for a average of 15 to 18 years in the wild, although there have been some tagged by biologists that have lived into their early 30’s. The bears in captivity live longer, into their mid to late 30s.

Female polar bears usually have their first set of cubs between the age of four and eight. There are usually two cubs in a litter. Females typically produce five litters in their lifetime.

The copyright of the article Arctic Polar Bears a Threatened Species in Endangered Species is owned by Christine Nyholm. Permission to republish Arctic Polar Bears a Threatened Species in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.