Can polar bears be saved? Here’s what you need to know – and do

Polar bears are magnificent animals – and it breaks our hearts to see them suffer.

Sadly, they are seriously under threat because of global warming.

Here’s why these awe-inspiring animals are in trouble – and why we need to take action immediately to save them.

Climate change is making polar bears starve.

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In late January, we're thinking about mother polar bears deep in their snuggly dens! Most moms choose den sites in snowdrifts along mountain slopes or hills near the shore. Some dig their dens in snowdrifts on the sea ice. Cubs are most often born in December, but the family doesn't emerge from the maternal den until March or April. . When born, cubs are about the size of a stick of butter! Polar bear moms have the fattiest milk found on land at ~31% fat. This calorie rich diet helps the cubs grow ~10x their birth weight in just a few months. 💪🥛 . When the cubs are big enough, mom will break out of the den, and the family will prepare for their journey to the sea ice. 🐾🐾🐾🌊❄️ . . . . #polarbears #polarbear #bearcub #polarbearcub #momsandcubs #wildlifefacts #arcticwildlife #arcticconservation #arctic #saveourseaice

A post shared by Polar Bears International (@polarbearsinternational) on Jan 29, 2019 at 8:23am PST

Fact: polar bears need sea ice to survive.

With sea ice declining rapidly due to human-caused climate change, the world’s polar bears are facing a major threat.

Their natural habitat is being transformed at an alarming pace, making the species that are dependent on it incredibly vulnerable.

According to a study published in National Geographic, polar bears are already starving because of climate change. This heartbreaking video of a starving polar bear on iceless land shows us just how horrible the situation is.

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We often hear overwhelming news about polar bears and the Arctic. But we know if we take action now, we'll see sea ice respond in time for polar bears, and we'll also see changes that will make life better for all of us. . The tools and technology are all here. Add public and political will and we have a recipe to keep polar bears in the Arctic always. . . . . #polarbears #polarbear #riseforclimate #saveourseaice #actionnow #forpolarbearsandpeople #arctic

A post shared by Polar Bears International (@polarbearsinternational) on Feb 12, 2019 at 4:45pm PST

Sadly, scientists fear scenes like this will become more common in the future.

A recent study showed that polar bears are facing an even more serious predicament than previously thought.

It is estimated that the population of these beautiful animals, which are considered endangered in the U.S. and “vulnerable” by the IUCN, will shrink by 30 percent by 2050.

But climate change isn’t the only issue polar bears face.

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Photo by @PaulNicklen | During a strong Canadian blizzard, this polar bear buried its nose in the snow to shield it from the harsh winds. While their noses provide them with a powerful sense of smell for sniffing out prey, a polar bear's nose is very sensitive and this appears to be a common behavior for them. #FollowMe at @PaulNicklen and explore my feed for more photos of these Arctic bears. #Canada #PolarBear #blizzard #nature #photography

A post shared by National Geographic (@natgeo) on Feb 3, 2019 at 11:03am PST

Polar bears are also facing risks if habitat destruction posed by the oil and gas companies which have turned their attention to the Arctic. Not only would this further destroy their habitat – but it would also expose them to toxic chemicals.

On top of that, human-bear conflicts and illegal, unsustainable hunting are contributing, too.

Which is why it is more important than ever for us to do whatever we can to help save polar bears.

5 things you can do to help polar bears right now:

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In 2017, Congress approved opening parts of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to allow for oil and gas drilling. Step one of this process includes seismic testing along the coastal plain to help determine the location of deposits of oil and gas. This area has become a nursery ground for the Southern Beaufort Sea polar bear, one of the most at-risk subpopulations of polar bears. If denning polar bears along the coastal plain are disturbed, mother bears may exit the den prematurely with their cubs, exposing them to the extreme elements and risking their survival – and cubs can even be abandoned. WWF is calling for the permanent protection of the Arctic Refuge Coastal Plain, and we need your help. Follow the link in our bio to learn more and protect polar bears from seismic testing.

A post shared by World Wildlife Fund (@world_wildlife) on Dec 19, 2018 at 9:01am PST

1.   Lower your thermostat. Reduce carbon emissions by lowering the thermostat in your home in winter as much as you can. It’s a small action that makes a big difference because using less energy reduces our carbon emissions and can slow global warming. This means you’ll be saving ice polar bears need to survive. Also, think about investing in a Smart Thermostat.
2.   Donate. Organizations like Polar Bears International are working hard to protect polar bears from various threats. Support them with a donation, and you’ll be making an important contribution towards the survival of these iconic animals.
3.   Raise your voice. Speaking up about the issue will draw attention to it – and inspire others to take action, too. Make your voice heard on social media by using hashtags like #InternationalPolarBearDay, #PolarBearsInternational, #PolarBearDay, and #SaveOurSeaIce.
4.   Adopt a polar bear. With WWF, you can help protect polar bears by adopting one! The adoption will provide funds to the WWF to continue their work, which aims to reduce human-bear conflict, as well as the impacts of climate change.
5.    Send a message. Our “Protect Our Ocean – Protect Our Future” tee is perfect for spreading an important environmental message. And – did you know that a part of our profits goes to animal and environmental organizations? Wholesome Culture has donated $50,000 to animals in need so far!

Polar bears aren’t the only animals you can help! Want to help more animals in need? Read these posts:  

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