Polar

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Average lifespan in the wild: 25 to 30 years

Polar bears roam the Arctic ice sheets and swim in that region's coastal waters. They are very strong swimmers, and their large front paws, which they use to paddle, are slightly webbed. Some polar bears have been seen swimming hundreds of miles from land—though they probably cover most of that distance by floating on sheets of ice.

Polar bears live in one of the planet's coldest environments and depend on a thick coat of insulated fur, which covers a warming layer of fat. Fur even grows on the bottom of their paws, which protects against cold surfaces and provides a good grip on ice. The bear's stark white coat provides camouflage in surrounding snow and ice. But under their fur, polar bears have black skin—the better to soak in the sun's warming rays.

These powerful predators typically prey on seals. In search of this quarry they frequent areas of shifting, cracking ice where seals may surface to breath air. They also stalk ice edges and breathing holes. If the opportunity presents itself, polar bears will also consume carcasses, such as those of dead whales. These Arctic giants are the masters of their environment and have no natural enemies.

Females den by digging into deep snow drifts, which provide protection and insulation from the Arctic elements. They give birth in winter, usually to twins. Young cubs live with their mothers for some 28 months to learn the survival skills of the far north. Females aggressively protect their young, but receive no help from their solitary male mates. In fact, male polar bears may even kill young of their species.

Polar bears are attractive and appealing, but they are powerful predators that do not typically fear humans, which can make them dangerous. Near human settlements, they often acquire a taste for garbage, bringing bears and humans into perilous proximity.

Canadian Polar Bears – Threatened by Trophy Hunters

Canada holds roughly half the world's population of polar bears, most ranging either solely or partially within the vast borders of Nunavut, a territory spanning nearly 2 million kilometers. These ice dependent bears—beloved by people worldwide—have become a symbol of wilderness species most vulnerable to the threats of global warming.

New research confirms that sea ice in the Arctic is declining rapidly and scientists believe that continued melting will have devastating effects for the long-term survival of polar bears. This is not to mention polar bears' sensitivity to other human disturbances such as toxic pollution and oil and gas development in the North.

But these are not their only challenges to survival. Foreign trophy hunters have also set their sights on Canada's bears. Inuit hunters in Nunavut kill polar bears for subsistence, but they have the right to sell their subsistence tags to foreign sport hunters. Years ago, this opened the door for trophy hunters—mostly from the United States—to offer large cash payments for the 'privilege' of killing polar bears.

In 2005, the government of Nunavut announced a controversial plan to increase hunting quotas for polar bears by as much as 28 percent. The increase – which was based solely on local reports that more bears are being seen near villages - will put even more pressure on a species already vulnerable to extinction because of climate change, environmental contaminants, and a long history of being hunted for sport.

Misreading the Signs

The government of Nunavut relied on reports that local hunters were seeing more polar bears near villages as evidence of a population increase and a rationale for their quota hike. But Canadian polar bear researchers say it is more likely the increased sightings happened because melting ice due to global warming has forced polar bears inland. 

Satisfying Trophy Hunters

Former Nunavut Minister of Environment Olayuk Akesuk has denied that the quota increase was directed at sport hunters. But it is not unusual for American trophy hunters to shell out up to US $30,000 to bag a bearskin rug. The high demand for polar bear hunting permits is one reason scientists are skeptical of reports of polar bear abundance. Polar bear population reports have been known to be unjustifiably inflated when the demand for trophies is high.

Studies have shown that polar bears rely on high adult survival to maintain population numbers, suggesting that the bears have not evolved to withstand high losses to their adult population. This means the increased quota is a significant threat.

Humane Society International (HSI) wrote letters to the government of Nunavut, strongly criticizing the proposals to up hunting quotas. Unfortunately, Nunavut announced soon after that its decision was final, and it formally increased its hunt quotas by 115 bears a year.   

Failure to Act

The World Conservation Union (IUCN), the internationally respected authority on endangered species, recognizes the polar bear as a vulnerable species, meaning they are in danger of becoming extinct. The United States government acknowledged this fact in December 2006 when they proposed to add the bear to their endangered species list. In 2002, Canada's own expert committee on endangered species recommended for the third time that polar bears be added to Canada's species at risk list, but the Canadian government ignored their advice. It is time for the Canadian government to start paying attention to scientific evidence and take serious steps toward protecting this species and its habitat.

Act Now to Save Polar Bears in Canada!

Please act now to save Canada's Polar Bears—before it is too late.