Wildlife

Welfare of Polar Bears in Warming Oceans

Polar bears face existential welfare threats from sea ice loss driven by climate change, forcing longer fasting periods, nutritional stress, and habitat-seeking behavior.

Key Facts

Arctic sea ice has declined by about 13% per decade since 1979
Polar bears depend on sea ice to hunt ringed seals, their primary food
Bears forced ashore without sea ice face extended fasting periods
Body condition scores of polar bears have declined significantly in some populations
Polar bear-human conflict is increasing as bears seek food near settlements

Welfare Considerations

Climate change inflicts ongoing and worsening welfare harm on polar bears through chronic nutritional stress, prolonged fasting, and habitat loss. Individual bears experience hunger, stress, and behavioral disruption as their sea ice world disappears.

What You Can Do

Support aggressive climate action to protect polar bear habitat
Donate to polar bear research and monitoring programs
Oppose oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Reduce your personal carbon footprint as part of collective climate action