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A projection of sea ice in the archipelago, supported by WWF, shows that much of the region is facing significant ice loss in the coming decades–with potentially serious consequences for polar bears. Global polar bear numbers are projected to decline by 30% by 2050.
Are Polar Bears Endangered? The IUCN Polar Bear Specialist Group lists the polar bear as a vulnerable species, citing sea ice loss from climate change as the single biggest threat to their survival. Photo: Daniel J. Cox
The largest bear in the world and the Arctic's top predator, polar bears are increasingly at risk. Learn about threats to this bear, facts and how to help.
Feb 1, 2018 · Polar Bears Really Are Starving Because of Global Warming, Study Shows. New science sheds more light on recent controversy over how much the large carnivores are being impacted by melting sea...
Jul 20, 2020 · Polar bears are listed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with climate change a key factor in their decline.
As top predators, polar bears are exposed to high levels of pollutants through their food. The popular image is of polar bears living in a pure, frozen wilderness is misleading. The Arctic food chain contains high levels of some toxic chemicals.
WWF addresses conservation of polar bears at the local, national, and international levels. We support community initiatives such as polar bear patrols and contribute to planning and implementing range-wide conservation plans.
Polar bears help us gain an understanding of what is happening throughout the Arctic. All recent indicators show that sea ice in the Arctic is melting at an alarming rate, a problem that needs to be addressed immediately if polar bears, and other species unique to the region, are to survive.
Aug 23, 2012 · This factsheet details basic facts about polar bears, the key threats to their existence, and WWF’s solutions and actions for protecting polar bears’ Arctic habitat from climate change, industrial threats and other harmful human activities.
Jul 11, 2021 · Five polar bear subpopulations occur in the Seasonal Ice Ecoregion: Baffin Bay, Davis Strait, Foxe Basin, Southern Hudson Bay, and Western Hudson Bay. Throughout the Seasonal Ice Ecoregion, ice is melting earlier in the spring and freezing up later in the fall, and the bears are food deprived for longer periods.
