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Polar Bear

The Correlation Between Decreasing Sea Ice & Human-Polar Bear Conflicts

As climate change accelerates, polar bears face unprecedented challenges that threaten their survival. One alarming consequence of this crisis is the increase in human-polar bear conflicts, closely linked to the ongoing loss of sea ice.

Henry walking on the frozen lake
Henry walking on the frozen lake

Climate Change and Its Impact

The planet undergoes natural climate cycles over millions of years, but human activities are now causing detrimental changes to this cycle. The burning of fossil fuels releases a blanket of pollution into the atmosphere, trapping heat and preventing the Earth from releasing its seasonal warmth. Over 97% of climate scientists agree that human activities significantly contribute to current warming and related climate disruption.


This warming is leading to longer fasting periods for polar bears, forcing them to move south in search of food. In the 1980s, polar bears in the Western Hudson Bay area experienced an average fasting period of 108 days. By the early 2000s, this duration had increased to 130 days. These extended fasting seasons negatively impact survival rates and reduce the number of cubs (Whitelaw, 2019).


Polar Bear Diet

A polar bear's diet primarily consists of ringed seals, but they also consume bearded seals, harp seals, hooded seals, and harbor seals when available. Blubber is crucial for their diet, as polar bears metabolize fat more efficiently than protein. This energy-rich diet allows them to grow larger than other bear species and provides essential warmth, acting as an energy reserve during periods of slow hunting (WWF, 2014). While they may occasionally eat birds, fish, vegetation, and kelp, these food sources contribute minimally to their overall energy needs (Polar Bear Range States - Diet).


The Importance of Sea Ice

Henry putting his head in a hole in the ice
Henry putting his head in a hole in the ice.

Polar bears rely heavily on sea ice for hunting seals, their primary food source. During the summer months, they primarily depend on their fat reserves and conserve energy by remaining inactive for most of the time. This energy preservation is vital for their survival. Polar bears skillfully use sea ice to hunt for seals, waiting patiently at breathing holes for hours. They must remain still, as even slight movements can scare seals away.


In addition to waiting at breathing holes, polar bears approach cracks in the ice where solid ice meets open water, hoping a seal will surface nearby. Despite being classified as marine mammals, they encounter challenges when chasing prey in the water, making their dependence on sea ice critical for their hunting success and overall survival (Whitelaw, 2019).


The Rise in Human-Bear Conflicts

As polar bears experience longer fasting spells due to shrinking sea ice, they increasingly turn to human settlements in search of food. Bears are drawn to the scents produced by human activities in these communities, a phenomenon that has heightened their desperate quest for sustenance and resulted in more frequent encounters with people, often escalating into dangerous confrontations.

Henry & Inukshuk sparring in a field
Henry & Inukshuk sparring

Research indicates that 61% of polar bears involved in attacks were found to be in below-average body condition (PBI, 2017). This statistic highlights a critical reality: these bears are not attacking out of aggression, but rather out of desperation to survive. As their natural hunting grounds disappear, their willingness to take risks in search of food increases, often leading them into conflict with human communities. Between 1870 and 2014, there were 73 confirmed polar bear attacks, resulting in 20 fatalities and 63 injuries. Notably, 64% of these human-polar bear conflicts occurred between 1960 and 2009, while 20% happened in the short period between 2010 and 2014.


Conservation and Coexistence Strategies

Addressing the root causes of this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Conservation efforts aimed at preserving polar bear habitats are essential, but so too is fostering understanding and cooperation between communities and wildlife.


Communities can implement strategies to minimize human-bear interactions, such as securing food sources and using bear-proof containers. Education about polar bear behavior can also help residents prepare for and mitigate potential conflicts.


Conclusion

The connection between decreasing sea ice and the rise in human-polar bear conflicts underscores the urgent need for climate action and effective wildlife coexistence strategies. By addressing the challenges polar bears face, we can protect both these iconic animals and the communities at risk. It is imperative that we advocate for conservation efforts and develop strategies to coexist with these magnificent creatures, ensuring a future where both humans and polar bears can thrive.




References

Diet. (n.d.). Polar Bear Range States. Retrieved October 25, 2024, from https://polarbearagreement.org/polar-bear-biology/diet

Fat and Fur: Polar Bear Insulation - WWF.CA. (2014, February 27). World Wildlife Fund Canada. Retrieved October 25, 2024, from https://wwf.ca/stories/fat-fur-polar-bear-insulation/

Polar Bear Attacks, Causes, Prevention. (2017, July 10). Polar Bears International. Retrieved October 25, 2024, from https://polarbearsinternational.org/news-media/articles/polar-bear-attacks-causes-prevention

Whitelaw, M. (2019, February 27). Polar Bears: How They've Adapted To Their Arctic Realm. arctic stories. Retrieved October 25, 2024, from https://resources.arctickingdom.com/polar-bears-how-theyve-adapted-to-their-arctic-realm


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