WWF Launches Polar Bear Tracker

Polar bears, the world's largest carnivore, are at risk due to climate change. Sea ice, which the bears rely on for survival, is disappearing quickly. The sea ice is melting beneath their feet, destroying their hunting and denning grounds and putting the species at risk of extinction. The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) now allows interested people to see how the bears are faring at wwf.ca. This site tracks six polar bears in the Hudson Bay region.

Dr. Peter Ewins, Director of Species Conservation for WWF-CA, fitted six mother bears with satellite radio tracking collars in Wapsuk National Park in the western Hudson Bay area in October. This region is critical habitat for the bears as it holds the largest known polar bear denning area.

"The Hudson Bay research has confirmed that polar bears are one of the first victims of a global climate crisis that will soon affect us all," said Dr. Ewins in a statement in a WWF news release. "But there is still hope for these bears. It's not too late to join the fight against climate change."

In December, the United States' government will decide on its position regarding whether polar bears will be placed on a threatened species list. The news release noted that there are fewer than 25,000 polar bears remaining in the wild.

Data collected by the tracking collars will let scientists know whether the bears are moving within their range, how the climate is impacting them, and how the bears are adjusting to the changing sea ice. Visitors to the WWF website will be able to view the bear tracker, polar bear and climate facts, a blog about Dr. Ewins' experiences and video footage and photos of the bears.

According to the WWF, WWF-Canada will run a contest to name two of the bears until December 10^th. Website visitors who cast their votes also have an opportunity to win a polar bear adoption kit. Questions can be submitted to Dr. Ewins through the interactive "Ask Pete" section.