Learn and share about the Polar Bear

Polar bears are one of the largest bears in the world and are the Arctic’s top predator. They spend over 50% of their time hunting for food and the other half in, around, or on the ocean or ice. Due to this they are considered very talented swimmers.

On February 27, National Polar Bear Day focuses efforts to help individuals learn more about these iconic animals and conservation efforts related to them. Organizations use this day to raise awareness about the declining numbers of polar bears worldwide, possibly due to global warming.

Why should we care about polar bears? They are known as a keystone species. They help keep biological populations in balance, which is a critical component to a functioning ecosystem. They’re also a sign of health for the ecosystem and are “a powerful symbol of the strength and endurance of the Arctic,” according to the World Wildlife Organization (https://rb.gy/04p6az).

NBC says that polar bears are not endangered, but with an estimated 22,000 to 31,000 polar bears left around the world, the survival of them is critical (https://rb.gy/zlgdaz). The website for The American Museum of Natural History says, “We can all contribute to reducing climate change, and therefore help polar bears and other endangered species. A significant cause of climate change is the emission of polluting gases from burning fossil fuels, such as coal and oil. Fossil fuels are burned when we use electricity or drive our cars, among other things” (https://rb.gy/kysr3d).

You can show support to this campaign by sharing the ideas behind National Polar Bear Day and its purposes, whether it be on social media platforms, printing out flyers to hand out or put around town, or talking to others.

There are many creatures that are either already endangered or are in risk of becoming endangered. Animals shouldn’t have to suffer for the problems we have created which have ruined their habitats and killed many species over the years. Days like National Polar Bear Day allow us to focus on one species at a time and reach out to correct our impact.