The
polar bear, perhaps the most iconic native to the arctic, is suffering the
consequences of global warming. The polar bear’s diet consists mainly of ringed
seals, and in order to hunt them, the bears must swim from the mainland to
offshore ice floes where the seals go to rest. As temperatures rise, massive
portions of offshore sea ice are melting, forcing the polar bears to swim
further in freezing water to find the ice floes.
This
fatal situation first came to the attention of scientists in 2004 when 4
drowned polar bears were discovered in the Beaufort Sea off Alaska’s coast. In
response to this, researchers from the United States Geological Survey attached
tracking collars to Alaskan polar bears to study the distance they are
traveling and the amount of hunting they are doing. One mother bear swam
continuously for 687 km with its cub on its back in search of food, only to
lose her cub shortly after. Without serious change and much lower green house
gas emissions the future of the polar bear looks bleak.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=too-late-for-polar-bears
Wow, I did not realize that the swimming distances was the reason polar bears were dying. Thats incredible that they would swim so far for food. I wonder if reearchers will figure out a way to help the polar bears
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that polar bears were struggling because they have to go farther and farther to catch their food. The melting ice floes are actually the reason that they are dying which is really sad. I really hope that a solution can be found soon before more polar bears drown to death.
ReplyDeleteThe melting of the ice seems to be creating havoc with the polar bear's ability to get food. The distances they are traveling is unbelievable and it appears that it is going to get worse. I hope research and money can help get this situation under control for these polar bears.
ReplyDeleteWhile the polar bear is suffering from the effects of warming temperatures, we have to keep in mind it is not the only arctic animal being affected. Ringed seals and walruses rely on the sea ice for a home and also a feeding ground. As it melts the chances of survival for ringed seals becomes slim, since they rely heavily on it.
ReplyDeleteThis summary is very shocking. I had no idea that polar bears were suffering so severely for the actions of the human race. It is sad because some people dont realize that these things are happening and if something doesnt change polar bears could soon become extinct.
ReplyDelete