The Arctic Polar Bear

By Morgan Mitruka

Source: https://globalvoices.org/2013/10/25/
wearing-putins-insult-as-the-badge-of-honor/

Ecology
       The mighty polar bear is native to the few countries that
 surround the Arctic Circle. It is in Greenland, Russia, Canada, Norway, and the United States (in Alaska) where this highly carnivorous animal resides. From the pictures and videos we've seen of these seemingly lovable and furry creatures, they appear to be relatively harmless and cuddly, right? Well at an average height of 3.5 ft to 5 ft, and a standing length of over 10 feet, the polar bear is the largest carnivore among land animals.

Source: http://metro.co.uk/2010/10/26/
waving-polar-bear-in-arctic-greeting-562545/
                                                              

Not only does this animal present as massive, but also weighs in quite largely as well- the average adult male will be anywhere from 775 lbs to1,200 lbs! With the average adult females being about 330 lbs to 650 lbs. They maintain this weight by feeding mostly on the blubber of seals. These bears spend a majority of their day doing what is called still-hunting, in which they hang holes in the ice (seal-breathing holes) waiting to catch seals that pop up periodically. They also don't hibernate during winter. During the time that most animals partake in this long slumber, these guys are out hunting and roaming around on the ice. Polar bears are K-selected mammals, meaning they have low reproductive output, a high maternal investment, and a high adult survival rate. They are also nomadic. In 2008, there was estimated to be around 20,000 to 25,000 bears left in the world, this total population of polar bears is divided into 19 sub-populations. This number is constantly declining, and that is why they were listed as threatened, and why we are now working to conserve those remaining numbers.

Major Threats
        Since this great animals listing on the Endangered Species Act on May 15, 2008, conservationists have been working to rehabilitate this threatened (as listed) species. Large demographic changes to this animal's population and habitat is mainly due to the decline of sea ice habitat from the changing climate. Arctic warming is caused by the increase in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases. These gas emissions are creating the heat that is rising atmospheric temperatures that is subsequently melting the ice caps where our furry friends live. If this increase in emissions continues, the future could consist of an even worsening of the sea ice conditions, and a decline in the marine prey base from which polar bears feed. The below chart pictures the Arctic sea ice extent over the recent decades. There has been an evident and dramatic drop in the sea ice, because of this, polar bears are suffering.

Source: http://nsidc.org/arcticseaicenews/2013/09/

Recovery Plan

Source: http://justcuteanimals.com/post/8604

        Though the statistics are pretty grim, there is a Recovery Plan for our frozen pals. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has provided an outline for a recovery tract to slow the disappearance of the Arctic polar bear. Since the most detrimental entity is green house gas emissions, the primary goal is to reduce and limit the global atmospheric levels of these gases. And to preserve the denning habits of these bears; because with the melting of the snow, comes the desecration of their homes. The plan also has points of focus on the human-bear conflicts and the importance of continuing support for research of this great species. It is important to pay attention to these conservation efforts because the polar bears are a part of an integral ecosystem, as all animals are. Extinction would cause a great upset in seal, penguin, and also whale populations. And if that is not enough to convince anyone as to why we need these guys around, just look at this little one pictured above, what would we do without these cute fellows?

      Saving the polar bears certainly isn't a one person job, it will take the efforts of many- however, there are small measures that everyone can take to ensure the maximum amount is being done possible. Reducing my carbon footprint is one way I plan to contribute. This can be done by many people in order to reduce green house gas emissions, and it's as simple as taking the bus or walking more often, as opposed to driving. Solar panels are also very eco-friendly ways to support not only this cause, but many other ones as well. Even going back to basics by learning more about how to reduce, reuse, and recycle can help! In addition to doing that, educating myself and the general public about the polar bear crisis could make a huge difference to our Arctic buddies! Click here to learn more about how to support this cause, and sign the petition today to ask our world's leaders to create a plan to reduce our atmosphere's green house gas emissions. Doing this, along with assimilating energy conscientious practices in your everyday life could make all the difference!

Additional Sources

Bradford, Alina. "Polar Bear Facts." Live Science. N.p., 24 Nov. 2014. Web. 29 Nov. 2015.      

"An Irish Polar Bear?" Science News 115.15 (1979): 247. Web.

"Polar Bear." WorldWildlife.org. World Wildlife Fund, n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2015. 

"Recovery Plans Search." Endangered Species. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2015. 

"Support the." Ursus Maritimus (Polar Bear). N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2015.