Valeria Carrera Essay

Polar bears are beautiful creatures that due to the greenhouse effect known as global warming, are now in danger of extinction, nevertheless, it isnt too late to prevent it to happen.

In the introduction paragraph I will talk about basic information about polar bears, their habitat, and characteristics. In the first paragraph of the main body I will talk about the different factors that are causing the endangerment of this creature. In the second paragraph of the main body I will talk about the impact that the global warming is having on the polar bears. In the third paragraph of the main body I will talk about the different measures that have been taken regarding the endangerment of polar bears. In the conclusion I will talk about the effect that the extinction of polar bears would have on the planet; and I will appeal the reader to support the cause that is trying to save the species.

POLAR BEARS Polar bears are marine mammals that live mainly in the Arctic Circle which include the regions of Northern Russia, Northern Canada and Alaska. Polar bears have a thick layer of body fat and a water-repellant coat that protects them from the cold air and water in their habitat. Despite their size, they are extremely fast runners and wide-ranging travelers; moreover, they are considered talented swimmers. Polar bears spend over 50% of their time hunting for food, but less than two percent of their hunts are successful. Their diet mainly

consists of seals, and fish. It is estimated that all around the world, there are still 20,000 polar bears. According to the WWF, the polar bear was considered an endangered species since May, 2008. This threat to the polar bears life is due to several factors. First of all, businesses that include the traffic of oil tankers and cargo ships in Arctic waters that increases the risk of oil spills that affect the species health. The most relevant cause of the endangerment of polar bears is the global warming that the planet is experiencing nowadays. The loss of sea ice habitat is the biggest threat to the survival of polar bears. The National Wildlife Federation states that rising temperatures cause sea ice to melt, especially in the summer months when these animals are the most active. They mainly depend on ice for two reasons: to provide a platform from which to hunt seals, whose thick layers of blubber and fat provide enough energy for their survival; and they also need the ice as a place to rest. The impact that the global warming has had on polar bears is huge. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that two thirds of polar bears will disappear by 2050. In southern regions there is no ice during the summer, and the polar bears must live on land until it freezes in the fall, then they can again hunt on the ice. While on land during the summer, these bears eat little or nothing. Due to the global warming, the ice is freezing later in the fall, about 20 days later, which represent almost 3 weeks of not eating. It is the earlier spring ice melt, however, that is especially difficult for the bears. They have a shorter time to hunt during the season when seals are born. As a result, average bear weight has dropped by 15 percent, causing reproduction rates to decline.

Since it was announced that polar bears were among threatened species and also listed No. 55 on the Endangered Species List, a law was soon decreed, making it illegal to hunt or kill the bears in those countries where the breed inhabit. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has initiated a number of programs, including education, establishing wildlife refuge for the animals, extensive research programs, foreign treaties and even, pleading against the construction of industries in or near polar bear territory.

Every single animal has a role in the ecosystem. If polar bears become extinct, then we will not only lose a beautiful creature, but there will be an overpopulation of their favorite prey, seals, which could result in problems such as an unbalanced habitat and those seals will starve because too many of them are competing for the same food source. Is because of this that people should be aware of the danger that involves to the human race the disappearance of a single animal on the planet, our survival would be affected. It doesnt take much to change the future of an entire breed, just spread the word, and begin at home.