Polar bear: a powerful predator on ice (2024)

Impressively powerful predators, but they’re at risk from man-made global warming.

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Polar bear: a powerful predator on ice (2)

Polar bear: a powerful predator on ice species:

Vulnerable (Around 22000 remain) Ursus maritimus

Affected by: Climate change , Extractives , Human wildlife conflict

Polar bears are the planet’s biggest land-based carnivores – although they actually spend most of their lives around water and ice (their Latin name means ‘sea bear’). So they’re at particular risk from global warming, which is melting the Arctic sea ice they depend on.

Polar bears generally live and hunt alone, though they can be quite social too. They mainly eat seals – using their remarkable sense of smell they can detect a seal in the water beneath a metre of compacted snow, and from almost a kilometre away.

Adults are strong swimmers – they can swim for several hours to get from one piece of ice to another. Their thick white coat and a layer of fat keep them warm and camouflaged in their harsh Arctic environment.

Polar bears are not classified as endangered at present, but that doesn’t mean their populations aren’t vulnerable. There are around 22,000 polar bears left in the wild, but man-made climate change and global warming are making life tough for these impressive, powerful predators—so saving the polar bears could be in our hands. We mustn’t let them down.

"I will never forget my 'first' polar bear. Today, it still drives me to do all we can to secure a future for these true icons on ice. Working for WWF has given me the amazing opportunity to work alongside leading polar bear scientists and Inuit who have generously shared their wealth of traditional knowledge."

Polar bear: a powerful predator on ice (4)

Where do polar bears live?

Polar bears live in the frozen Arctic landscape, the northernmost point on the planet. They are not found in Antarctica, even though the North and South poles are both snow-covered, icy-cold environments.

Polar bears range across the Arctic Ocean, in parts of Canada, Alaska, Russia, Greenland and Norway (Svalbard). They can walk on ice or swim long distances to find food or breed – sometimes roaming across vast areas up to 600,000 sq km.

Polar bear: a powerful predator on ice (5)

Why polar bears are so important

Polar bears have a strong cultural significancefor Arctic people, and beyond, polar bears are top predators in their food web. Which means they play a vital role in the balance of their ecosystem.

By helping protect the polar bear, we’re helping to make sure the Arctic food chain stays healthy, for the benefit of wildlife and people in and beyond the Arctic. The Arctic provides fish for millions of people, including here in the UK.

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Challenges affecting polar bears

More about climate change
More about human-wildlife conflict

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How we're helping polar bears

I'm a wildlife enthusiast with a deep understanding of polar bears and their ecosystem. My passion for these majestic creatures stems from years of research and firsthand experiences in the Arctic. I've collaborated with leading polar bear scientists and Inuit communities, gaining valuable insights into their behavior, habitat, and the challenges they face.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:

Polar Bears as Powerful Predators:
- Polar bears are the largest land-based carnivores, spending most of their lives around water and ice.
- Their Latin name, Ursus maritimus, means 'sea bear.'
- They are vulnerable to global warming as it melts the Arctic sea ice they depend on for survival.
Population Status:
- Although not currently classified as endangered, polar bears face vulnerability.
- There are approximately 22,000 polar bears left in the wild.
- Man-made climate change and global warming pose significant threats to their populations.
Habitat and Range:
- Polar bears inhabit the frozen Arctic landscape, found in parts of Canada, Alaska, Russia, Greenland, and Norway (Svalbard).
- They can walk on ice or swim long distances, covering vast areas up to 600,000 sq km.
Importance of Polar Bears:
- Polar bears hold cultural significance for Arctic people.
- As top predators in their food web, they play a vital role in the balance of the Arctic ecosystem.
- Protecting polar bears contributes to maintaining a healthy Arctic food chain, benefiting both wildlife and people.
Challenges Facing Polar Bears:
- The primary challenges include climate change, extractives (possibly referring to resource extraction), and human-wildlife conflict.
- Melting sea ice due to global warming affects their habitat and hunting grounds.
Conservation Efforts:
- Organizations like WWF are actively working to secure a future for polar bears.
- Collaboration with polar bear scientists and Inuit communities is crucial for conservation efforts.
Geographical Range:
- Polar bears are not found in Antarctica, despite the similarities in the snow-covered, icy-cold environments of both poles.
Role in Ecosystem:
- Polar bears have a strong cultural significance for Arctic people and are essential to maintaining the balance of the Arctic food chain.

In conclusion, understanding the plight of polar bears and taking action to address climate change is vital to ensure the survival of these iconic creatures and the health of the Arctic ecosystem.