Where will the polar bears go as the Arctic ice melts under their feet

The Arctic regions are home to a variety of wildlife, including polar bears (Ursus maritimus).

Polar bears are generally solitary animals. At first glance, more than white, are cream-colored.

In fact, the outer coat is hollow and translucent and perfectly fulfills its function of transmitting the sun’s heat to the base of the hair, where the skin is black.

The polar bear is the top predator of the Arctic marine ecosystem. It feeds mainly on seals, but also includes walruses, and belugas in their diet. As one can see, it also overwhelms with its enormous size.

So, as prevention, when people are in the presence of these animals, researchers are equipped with live-fire weapons, although the purpose is not having to use the weapons ever, which is very easy if you do not bother the bear.

Some studies suggest that almost two-thirds of these bears will disappear by 2050 if the decline in ice cover continues at current rates. “Reducing the ice is affecting the ability of the bears to survive,” explains Robert Buchnan, president of Polar Bears International. “The bears depend on sea ice as a platform from which to hunt seals.”

Of the 19 populations of polar bears in the world, 13 are permanent residents in Canada. “If the ice disappears, said Dr. Steven C. Amstrup, the bears will disappear with it. I’ve Lost more than a million square miles of sea ice, which is equivalent to an area the size of Alaska, Texas and Washington.”

By Lubio Lenin Cardozo | Gustavo Carrasquel

Source National Geographic Expeditions