Climate change is stretching the length of time parts of the Far North go without sea ice, which polar bears rely on to hunt their preferred prey: blubbery, calorie-rich seals.
When the ice melts in summer, the bears move onto land and face two options.
They can rest and slow down to a state approaching hibernation, or they can forage for alternative food like berries, bird eggs and small land animals.
Scientists tracking 20 polar bears in Manitoba, below the Arctic Circle at the southern end of the animals’ range, found that the option the polar bears chose didn’t make much difference.
Scientists estimate that, going forward, there will be five to 10 more days without sea ice each decade.
Persons:
didn’t, ”, Anthony Pagano
Organizations:
U.S . Geological Survey, Nature Communications
Locations:
Manitoba, Hudson Bay