Bears, Polar

Polar bears are often in the news these days as one of the animals most clearly affected by climate change. Learn more about the status of these big bears below, or see our Global Warming page for general climate details.

Shadow Polar Bear T Shirt

This magnificent polar bear is surrounded by a sea of blue, just like their ice covered home. Bear print is 5 1/2" square on this tasteful tee shirt. 100% preshrunk cotton. Adult sizes M, L, XL. Item UT003 $16.00 US  Add to Cart

Plush Polar Bear

Our Cuddlekins plush polar bear is made of quality fabric with ultra plush stuffing. This unbelievably soft little bruin is 12" long. Item US03 $16.00 US  Add to Cart

Polar Bear Earrings

Etched in recycled brass, hammered by hand which gives subtle facets to catch the light, then plated in 14k gold, these pierced earrings are perfect for the polar bear fan. Lightweight, durable earrings are approx. 3/4" high. Only one pair left - order soon! Item UJ02 $10.00 US  Add to Cart

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Polar Bear Status Report

Polar bears are a potentially endangered species living in the circumpolar north. They are animals which know no boundaries. They pad across the ice from Russia to Alaska, from Canada to Greenland and onto Norway's Svalbard archipelago. No adequate census exists on which to base a worldwide population estimate, but biologists use a working figure of 20,000 to 25,000 bears with about sixty percent of those living in Canada.

In areas where long-term studies are available, populations are showing signs of stress due to shrinking sea ice. Canada's Western Hudson Bay population has dropped 22% since the early 1980s. The declines have been directly linked to an earlier ice break-up on Hudson Bay.

A long-term study of the Southern Beaufort Sea population, which spans the northern coast of Alaska and western Canada, has revealed a decline in cub survival rates and in the weight and skull size of adult males. Such declines were observed in Western Hudson Bay bears prior to the population drop there.

Another population listed as declining is Baffin Bay. According to the most recent report from the Polar Bear Specialist Group, the harvest levels from Nunavut when combined with those from Greenland (which were thought to be much lower than they actually are) has resulted in this shared population being in a non-sustainable harvest situation, meaning the population is at great risk of a serious decline. The harvest is thought to be several times above what is sustainable.

Climate change is the main threat to polar bears today. A diminishing ice pack directly affects polar bears, as sea ice is the platform from which they hunt seals. Although the Arctic has experienced warm periods before, the present shrinking of the Arctic's sea ice is rapid and unprecedented.

Read more at http://www.polarbearsinternational.org/