Polar Bears
Are our favorite snowy bears on the verge of extinction?
By, Annabelle Hage
Polar bears are the largest bears in the world, they can run at approximately 40 kilometers per hour, and they have razor sharp teeth. These features make them the top predator in the arctic. Unfortunately, these top predators are also being hunted. Polar bears are finding it harder and harder to survive. Humans are creating a new arctic terrain that they didn’t ask for and is more challenging than they’ve ever known. And if this keeps up, we may never see our furry friends again.
What is happening:
Polar Bears are being threatened daily by habitat loss. Due to global warming their homes are being destroyed, ice glaciers falling, and snow melting. Habitat loss is the main reason polar bear populations are declining. They rely on sea ice for so many things such as traveling, hunting, and resting. If you take all that away you are left with a severely declining population of bears. As of 2021, scientists estimate that there are around 22,000 and 31,000 polar bears left. Polar bears are now becoming vulnerable to extinction. But if the numbers keep decreasing we might have a more pressing matter on our hands.
How To Help:
Don’t get too scared and think that there is no hope for these beautiful bears, you can help! Here are a couple ways you can help out these awesome creatures!
- Turn off the light when you leave a room. Yup! It’s that simple!
- Unplug something if you’re not using it!
- Instead of using a car to go short distances, walk or ride a bike instead! This is a great way to save electricity!
- Get renewable energy! Try not to emit so much greenhouse gases!