Global Warming’s Affects on Polar Bears – What is Happening and How We Can Help By: Cameron Harter “The best known consequence of disappearing sea ice in the Arctic is the loss of the polar bear habitat” (cnn.com).

How many Polar Bears are left? o Roughly 20,000 to 25,000 Polar Bears are still alive o The majority of these Polar Bears live in Canada Western Hudson Bay in Canada: o Since 1980, the Polar Bear population has dropped 22%

How are they being affected? Main Threat to Polar Bears: o Losing the Ice  Affects their Hunting, Breeding, and Shelter o Now recognized as an Endangered Species

Does the melting ice affect their hunting? o Scientists discovered increases in these cannibalistic Polar Bear attacks throughout the past few years Arctic Ice is Essential for their Survival: o The melting sea ice will cause drowning and starvation o Polar Bears have been noted to resort to Cannibalism  Further endangering their species o Used as their platform for hunting (Seals) Image of the Arctic Sea Ice

Does the melting ice affect their breeding? Melting Ice in 2004 / 2005: o Polar Bear breeding greatly reduced due to the melting ice in the Arctic Ocean o Their low reproduction rate is another factor that may cause their extinction o They reproduce once every three years

Does the melting ice affect their den (chamber)? o Increases in temperatures can cause a Polar Bear’s den to potentially collapse (Could ultimately cause suffocation)  Further endangering their species Image of a Polar Bear’s Den

What can we do to prevent Global Warming the extinction of our Polar Bears? Stop Fishing in the Arctic  Further Protects Polar Bears Recycle Walk / Bike / Carpool with Someone rather than Driving Alone Renewable Energy Re-use Items (Example: Shopping Bags) Change your Light Bulbs  CFLs

Works Cited "Polar Bears and Conservation." Polar Bears International Polar Bears International, Web. 17 Dec "Will Polar Bears Survive the Threat of Melting Ice?"ArticleBase: Free Online Articles Directory ArticleBase.com, Web. 17 Dec to-Help-Save-the-Polar-Bears?&id= "Global Warming: What's the Real Truth?." Helium: Where Knowledge Rules Helium, Inc., Web. 17 Dec