Threats Facing Polar Bears
Polar bears, iconic species of the arctic, have become the poster-children for the negative impacts of global warming. These majestic animals are completely dependent on their Arctic sea-ice habitat, a habitat that is shrinking before our eyes. In addition, polar bears face other potentially catastrophic threats in the form of oil and gas development, toxic pollution, and trophy hunting.
In September, 2007, the U.S. Geological Survey released a
series of reports commissioned by the Department of the Interior concluding that
by 2050, we will have lost fully two-thirds of the world’s polar bear
populations, primarily from ice-loss due to climate change.
IFAW, representing over 2 million people worldwide, strives for meaningful protection for polar bears. IFAW supports scientific research for polar bears, whales, seals, and other ice-dependent marine mammals, works to reduce the stressors that are contributing to the decline of species impacted by global warming, responds to weather-related and other emergencies where animals are in distress, and engages policymakers and the public to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of imperiled species like the polar bear, along with domestic animals and people.
IFAW, representing over 2 million people worldwide, strives for meaningful protection for polar bears. IFAW supports scientific research for polar bears, whales, seals, and other ice-dependent marine mammals, works to reduce the stressors that are contributing to the decline of species impacted by global warming, responds to weather-related and other emergencies where animals are in distress, and engages policymakers and the public to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of imperiled species like the polar bear, along with domestic animals and people.
Key Facts
- The world population of polar bears is estimated at 20,000 – 25,000, although numbers in some areas remain unknown.
- The global population is divided into 19 sub-populations located in Norway, Russia, Canada, Denmark and the United States.
- The polar bear is the largest member of the bear family and is easily recognized by its white fur.
- The polar bear’s nose, lips and skin are black.
- Adult males measure between 8 and 10 feet and generally weigh between 550 and 1,320 pounds, although they can weigh as much as 1,700 pounds.
- Adult females are smaller, measuring 6 to 8 feet and weighing between 200 and 660 pounds.
- Polar bears are the most carnivorous of the bears and have specialized teeth. They hunt mostly on the ice, but willingly enter the water where they can swim for great distances.
- An adult polar bear needs, on average, approximately 2kg of seal fat per day to survive.
Photo © IFAW/N.Ovsyanikov
