Even in a remote location such as Antarctica, our planet’s wildlife is feeling the effect of human life. It is predicted that the polar bear population will decrease by almost a third in the next thirty years. Due to climate change, scientists have labeled the subpopulation of the Southern Beaufort Sea, as the most at risk for a future decline in population using current data.
Despite their cute and cuddly appearance, polar bears are apex predators, meaning they have no natural predator. The so called ‘King of the Arctic’ spends about half of its time hunting for its next meal, typically consists of ringed and bearded seals. Very talented swimmers, polar bears can swim at a consistent pace of six miles per hour, which equals the top speed even recorded by 23-time gold medalist Michael Phelps.
In order to remain warm and survive in the arctic environment, polar bears retain large amounts of body fat and possess a water-repellent coat that acts as a type of insulation.
The population of polar bears to humans on the arctic continent is twenty-five times larger. This discrepancy must be made up by people like you, with a passion for helping those who cannot help themselves.