Polar Bears

Polar Bears: Giants of the Arctic

Polar bears rely on Arctic sea ice for hunting and raising their young, but as the ice shrinks, their survival is at risk. Native to the Arctic, they are closely related to brown bears and can interbreed. As the largest living bear and land carnivore, adult males weigh between 300–800 kg. Protecting their habitat is crucial for their future.

Polar Bears: Icons of the Arctic

The world’s largest bear and the Arctic’s top predator, polar bears are a symbol of strength and endurance. Their Latin name, Ursus maritimus, means “sea bear,” reflecting their life on Arctic sea ice, which they rely on for hunting, resting, and raising their young.

Polar bears are strong swimmers, paddling up to six miles per hour. Their thick fat layer and water repellent fur keep them warm in freezing temperatures. They spend over half their time hunting, mainly feeding on ringed and bearded seals for essential fat.

Climate change is the biggest threat to polar bears, as shrinking sea ice forces them to spend more time on land, increasing human wildlife conflict. Listed as a threatened species in 2008, their survival depends on protecting their Arctic habitat.

The Impact of Climate Change on Polar Bears

The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the rest of the planet, shrinking sea ice by 14% per decade. Since 1981, over 770,000 square miles of ice larger than Alaska and California combined has disappeared, reducing polar bears' ability to hunt and survive.

Less Food & Longer Fasting

With ice melting earlier and forming later, polar bears have fewer opportunities to hunt seals. They must travel farther to find food and rely on fat reserves for longer, leading to malnutrition and lower reproduction rates.

Fewer Cubs & Declining Health

Malnourished mothers struggle to nurse cubs, increasing infant mortality and risking population decline in some regions.

Habitat Fragmentation

Melting ice allows for more shipping, oil drilling, and industrial activity, further threatening polar bear habitats. Oil spills can poison bears, destroy insulation in their fur, and disrupt entire Arctic food chains.

Increased Human Conflict

With more time spent on land, polar bears face greater risks from industrial expansion, pollution, and human encounters.

Protecting Arctic ice is crucial for polar bears' survival. Conservation efforts focus on reducing industrial threats and fighting climate change to preserve their fragile habitat.

OUR PLEDGE

At our store, we celebrate these majestic animals while raising awareness about their conservation. Every purchase helps spread the message and support efforts to protect gorillas for future generations.