Polar Bears Mostly Extinct by 2050

Exotic Animal Newsflash:

It has been reported that we the polar bear could be mostly extinct by the year 2050. That means that 2/3 of the entire polar bear population, roughly 1600 bears, could be dead if sea ice melting predictions are accurate.

However, it could be the case that the sea ice is even melting faster than computer models are predicting. It is thought that a few may survive on Canadian Arctic islands off the west coast of Greenland by 2100, but this is very bleak!

These reports are being used to determine if the polar bear should be listed as threatened…Right now it is listed as vulnerable. I think they have their answer staring them in the face right now! They will decide it’s conservation status by January of 2008.

The reason the polar ice is so important to these bears is because they use the ice to hunt their staple food, seal. They also eat young walrus and whales.

It is estimated that polar bears appeared 40,000-50,000 yrs ago, and have never lived through a climatic period as warm as what is to come.

To read more on this story: Most polar bears could be lost by 2050

The Polar Bear is the world’s largest land carnivore, and the world’s largest bear. They are semi-aquatic and are at home in the water, on land and ice.

Scientific Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Ursidae
Genus: Ursus
Species: U. maritimus

Their hair is actually hollow, and clear/translucent, but in abundance appears to be white or cream colored. This is for camouflage and to allow light to hit it’s skin and warm the animal. It’s skin is actually black, and this absorbs light the best. This fur, along with blubber, keep the animal warm.

A sad reality that we all have to ponder and act upon!

What Can You Do?
1. Do your part to reduce greenhouse gases…NOW! This means reducing aerosol can use, and carpooling or using public transit more often.

2. Decrease your own personal waste, as these bears have been affected by pollution in the water and air as well.

3. Donate locally or to worldwide conservation organizations.

4. Canadians: Remember the Polar Bear’s plight every time you look at our $2 coin! The two-ney has a polar bear on one side of the coin.

5. Spread the word about the Polar Bear’s plight.

These animals really don’t have that much time left…

I hope you enjoy today’s installment of Exotic Animal Lover. Until next time…

Live Exotically,

Kimberly Edwards

P.S. Get your beautiful Polar Bears Calendar for 2008 before all the great ones are gone! Get it here:

Polar Bears 2008 Wall CalendarA polar bear’s fur is not actually white. Each strand of hair has a hollow core that reflects visible light. Polar bears are accomplished swimmers. Some males grow to weigh well over 1000 pounds. These powerful animals are highly protective of their young and blend beautifully into their Arctic habitat. You don’t have to travel far or freeze your rump to see these delightful bears. Stay warm. Observe them instead in the pages of this wall calendar. Size Closed: 12″ x 12″ Size Opened: 12″ x 24″

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