Why are polar bears being endangered?

Answer 1

In brief:

Polar bears are in danger of extinction in the future if global warming is not stopped. Their habitat, the Arctic sea ice, is melting more and more every year, making it difficult for the bears to store enough food (as fat) to last them through the summers, which are lengthening. Furthermore, weak female bears produce fewer cubs.

More detail:

The polar bears' current risk of extinction:

The polar bear species' existence is threatened, but, contrary to a widespread misunderstanding, they are not listed on the main Endangered Species Lists with a status of Endangered at present. They are listed as Threatened in the US Fish and Wildlife Services Endangered Species List, and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List has them listed in 2011 with a status of Vulnerable (a subcategory of the IUCN Threatened status), along with a population trend of Decreasing.There is common confusion about the different lists' status categories and their meanings.

In the IUCN Red List, Vulnerable is a subcategory of Threatened. There are three main status groups on the IUCN Red List to qualify the level of peril: Extinct, Threatened, and At Lower Risk. The IUCN Threatened status is subcategorized into three additional status levels: Critically Endangered, Endangered, and Vulnerable. So, as on the US list, polar bears are considered Threatened on the international IUCN Red List, and further qualified there with the Threatened subcategory of Vulnerable.

The fact that polar bears are not yet at the status of Endangered may be due, in part, to the foresight of the five nations that agreed to make polar bear conservation a priority and protected them by signing the International Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears in 1973. The five nations were: Canada, Denmark, Norway, USSR, and USA, ranges of polar bears in the wild. See the related links below for more information about the statuses and listings.

Why are they Threatened?

The polar bear population has suffered from various forms of hunting including, but not limited to, unregulated sport hunting from aircraft and from icebreakers, which were common hunting practices in the past. There was also unregulated hunting of polar bears in their known denning areas during the birthing season. These practices are now prohibited or regulated in the nations that host the polar bears' ranges and that agreed to put conservation measures in place. But the polar bear is a slow reproducer and the populations are still listed as decreasing overall in IUCN's Red List, despite those decades-long regulations against various forms of hunting.

Plus, the very nature of the polar bear makes it difficult to observe, protect and study. They do not behave as many other large carnivores do, who claim large territorial hunting areas that they then mark and patrol. Polar bears are a free rangingspecies and they use different migrating range patterns from hunting ice floes, to the shore line, and on inland. This makes the preservation of their habitat especially critical and difficult. They move over great distances following the ice floes for access to their main food sources and denning areas. This migration varies and is controlled, impacted and changed to some degree by the weather, breeding, and birthing seasons. Their habitat loss has been determined to be in large part due to climate change and melting.

Pollution has also significantly impacted their ecosystem and has resulted in species population decreases. Pollution has a huge impact on them due to their specialized diet. They are the top predator of their region, so they are exposed to pollution and toxins encountered through their food sources.

Polar bears are a specialized species adapted to a specific environment, therefore, any environmental change has a dramatic effect on the populations as a whole. Many studies are underway to determine what impacts the major shifts in the temperatures have had or may have on this species and their habitat and food sources. It is already known that females will not give birth if they are under normal weights. If they do give birth while malnourished, often the cub is undernourished at birth, too, and the mother continues to have trouble providing the cub with the proper amounts or quality of milk to allow the cub to survive and have normal growth. The normal survival rates for cubs is on average low, but with any additional stress on the mother or cub, those rates drastically decline further. Her ability to adequately hunt and feed the cubs depends on her body being nourished and in peak condition.

Many scientists who study their environment and needs are uncertain as to what type of changes the polar bears' habitat may continue to experience, but they are agreed that even minor changes in the habitat will have far reaching negative effects on the polar bears' populations, food sources, birthing and survival rates, and on the stability of the ice floes which are critical for hunting and feeding. The polar bear is a threatened species, perhaps mainly because of melting and shrinking pack ice caused by warming of the earth's climate.

For links to more details, see the related links section below.

The polar bear is not an endangered species. Listed as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN.

Answer 2:

In May 2008 the U.S listed the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

Polar bears depend on sea ice for hunting and breeding. Summer ice loss in the Arctic now equals an area the size of Alaska, Texas, and the state of Washington combined.

The video link below shows the white summer ice getting smaller and smaller every year from 1978 to 2008.

In 2009 the IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, at a meeting of its Polar Bear Specialist Group stated:

1. The greatest challenge to conservation of polar bears is ecological change in the Arctic resulting from climatic warming.
2. Unabated global warming will ultimately threaten polar bears everywhere.
3. Declines in the extent of the sea ice have accelerated since the last meeting of the group in 2005, with unprecedented sea ice retreats in 2007 and 2008.
4. Where habitats are stable, polar bears are a renewable resource. We support the right of aboriginal groups to harvest polar bears within sustainable limits.
5. One of 19 sub-populations of polar bear is currently increasing, 3 are stable and 8 are declining. For the remaining 7 sub-populations available data were insufficient to provide an assessment of current trend.
6. The total number of polar bears is still thought to be between 20,000 and 25,000.
7. Interpretations by scientists and local hunters disagree regarding population status.
8. We are optimistic that humans can mitigate the effects of global warming and other threats to polar bears, and ensure that they remain a part of the Arctic ecosystem in perpetuity.

Before Polar Bears were protected by international agreement, they were much reduced in number by hunting. Their main threat nowadays is thought to be 'Global Warming' with the ice forming later in the season, and thawing earlier. This means that the bear has difficulty in catching their main prey of seal.
The polar bear is in danger because global warming is causing the ice caps to melt and the polar bears live on the sea ice so if their's no ice the polar bears will be homeless and because people hunt them down for their winter coats since their soft and thick. hope this helps. And also if they don't have any ice to stand on they will drown because they will have to live in the water. And the seals and whales and other sea animals have a better advantage of get it. So then the polar bear will become enxtinct

The ice caps have returned to previous high levels, because their has been no warming for 18 years. The polar bear has a population of nearly 25,000, and they are currently under no threat of extinction. The global warming alarmists predicted the ice caps would be gone by 2013. In fact, both are growing in coverage, so don't believe all you hear from them.
The Polar Bear is not listed as "endangered" according to the US Fish and Wildlife Services Endangered Species List, or the US FWS. The Polar Bear is listed as "threatened" by the US FWS, and as "vulnerable" with a population posted as "decreasing" by the International Union of Conservation for Nature, or the IUCN Red List. The Polar Bear has been listed due to the current loss of habitat, contact with humans, and the projected changes that climate change is forecast to have on their environment. With the decreasing numbers of prey and the limited access to their prey, the Polar Bears will not give birth as often or to as many cubs. When they do have cubs, birth weights will be lower, decreasing the chances of survival for the cub. Plus the Polar Bear is a specialized species, and it depends on it's adaptions to survive in a harsh cold climate. Those adaptions will work against the Polar Bear in a quickly changing environment. For more details, please see the sites listed below.
As you know, polar bears live on Icebergs. And again, it's GLOBAL WARMING, which makes the Earth warmer. Therefore, the icebergs will melt slowly. The polar bears will end up "homeless". And most probably die in the water.

Polar bears habitat is governed by ice caps and the ecosystem it holds. Global warming is effecting the ecosystem very negatively, which also puts Polar bears at a bigger risk. Their strength has already been started reducing. Another view: the current warming trend has parts of the Arctic melting slowly. At the current rate we only have a few thousand years of ice left. Global warming is not considered a current threat. Over hunting could be. They are not considered endangered so hunting of polar bears is still legal and could stop the current population growth of these bears.
They are not anywhere near endangered and no responsible group claims this. There numbers were down to 5000 in the 60's and now number around 25,000.

Selective hunting is allowed because of their healthy population.

Some groups claim that if global warming increases that maybe the polar bear could become endangered. Most do so for monetary purposes.

That cute little polar bear you see sitting all alone on a chuck of ice stranded is awesome for getting a few dollars not of people that do not understand the issues.

Polar bears are also referred to as sea bears because they love to swim and can do so for long periods f time. They can not get stranded on a glacier.
Habitat destruction as a result of global warming, and pollution. The polar icecaps melting causes habitat destruction, and pollution limits food sources. Therefor, polar bears are being forced farther and farther south, where they are not considered welcome by humans.

Mostly by globel warming.

-from when one of us smoke

Polar bears, with a current population of 25000, are listed as "Vulnerable", not endangered.
The polar bear currently is not considered an endangered species.
The polar bear actually is not an endangered species, with a population of around 23000 or more.
The polar bear is listed as threatened, or vulnerable. Since 1975, the population has grown from 7500 to over 22,000 today.
They're not an endagered species. Listed as "Threatened" by the IUCN, or "Vulnerable". The population in 1970 was around 7500. Today, there are nearly 25,000, a surprising increase in numbers.
They probably are endangered because if Global Warming. The ice melts and that means their habitat melts. Also if they are on an iceberg, it might drift away to warmer waters and melt, stranding the polar bear in the middle if the ocean.
cos' 0f global warming the ice is melting which is causing an effect on most of the animals there.
Polar Bears are very vulnerable to climate change and human hunting. Due to their sheer size, they have no natural predators except themselves. Large males have been known to kill off younger/smaller bears to cut out on competition. Man has been hunting these giant carnivores for centuries for its skin and fur. As of now, approximately 20000 to 25000 animals exist in the Arctic wilderness. Their numbers are steadily declining due to habitat loss and hunting. Oil and Gas exploration in the Arctic too is a significant cause for the decline in Polar Bear numbers. Due to human activity and global warming, the ice caps are melting. So, the effective land that the bears have for hunting is coming down. Pollution too is killing off prey species. So, everything put together is endangering the species.
polar bears are endangered because people are killing them for fur, and the Arctic ice is melting due to global warming, leaving them without food or shelter.
Polar Bears are very vulnerable to climate change and human hunting. Due to their sheer size, they have no natural predators except themselves. Large males have been known to kill off younger/smaller bears to cut out on competition. Man has been hunting these giant carnivores for centuries for its skin and fur. As of now, approximately 20000 to 25000 animals exist in the Arctic wilderness. Their numbers are steadily declining due to habitat loss and hunting. Oil and Gas exploration in the Arctic too is a significant cause for the decline in Polar Bear numbers. Due to human activity and global warming, the ice caps are melting. So, the effective land that the bears have for hunting is coming down. Pollution too is killing off prey species. So, everything put together is endangering the species.
Your question doesn't make sense
The polar bear is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, not endangered.
Polar Bears are very vulnerable to climate change and human hunting. Due to their sheer size, they have no natural predators except themselves. Large males have been known to kill off younger/smaller bears to cut out on competition. Man has been hunting these giant carnivores for centuries for its skin and fur. As of now, approximately 20000 to 25000 animals exist in the Arctic wilderness. Their numbers are steadily declining due to habitat loss and hunting. Oil and Gas exploration in the Arctic too is a significant cause for the decline in Polar Bear numbers. Due to human activity and global warming, the ice caps are melting. So, the effective land that the bears have for hunting is coming down. Pollution too is killing off prey species. So, everything put together is endangering the species.
they are endangered because of us we started global warming which will probably kill everything, along with polar bears!
Global warming
Global warming
They feed on the ice surface by waiting above seal breath holes, with declining ice surfaces the loss of habitat makes hunting seals more challenging and many are dying of starvation and even turning to eating their own in desperation.
There not they have increased from 5,000 in the 1970's to 25,000 today. They are great swimmers. They can swim 100 miles at 4-6 mph, nick-name water bear.
The polar bear, Thalarctos Maritimus, is currently not classified as endangered, but threatened or vulnerable. Population of 25000 worldwide.
people are killing them and selling there body parts

The polar bear is listed as Vulnerable, which means it has the potential to become an endangered species if certain factors cause the population to drop to levels which the animal cannot sustain itself.

But as for now, polar bears are not considerd an endangered species.

The popular notion is this animal is in trouble because of global warming, but again, the jury is still out on that theory.
They are not endangered by any list.
because they can not find food so they die from hunger

not sure....
global warming
An amazing set of answers I got for you while researching this. First, polar bears are not endangered, but listed as threatened. But, the World Wildlife fund says the population is increasing. I will ask you to go to the IUCN Redlist, maybe they can give you the info. I keep coming up with conflicting evidence.
There endangered because the polar ice caps are meltingis the common belief.

The reality is that the arctic is not melting away and these creatures are not endangered. Reality over politics is that their numbers have grown to over 20,000.

Last year the Arctic saw record ice growth.
It currently is not endangered! Please check the IUCN Redlist for status on this species. Additional Info: The IUCN Red List currently lists the Polar Bear, with a status of "Vulnerable", with the populations "decreasing". While the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species List, also lists the Polar Bear, with a status of "Threatened". One of the reason given for the listing of "threatened" was decreasing population in some areas. This was linked with the lack of prey, and less summer ice, creating a longer fasting period for the Polar Bears. Which stresses the bears nutritionally, effecting their ability bare, and feed young during the following season.
Polar bears are endangered because global warming is melting the ice on which they live on.

They are not endangered. They are growing in population. We know that there are between 20,000 and 25,000 bears in the Arctic today (way up from 800). Wolves are being considered as a potential animal to be taken off the list at 8000.

This does not mean that the senseless hunting of these creatures should continue.

Answer 2

global warming caused by pollution and termites. when global warming happens, the ice caps melt so polar bears can no longer find food to eat. also because they will swim and expect to bump into an ice cap but there ain't any so they die of tiredness.

Answer 3

when the ice burgs melt they WILL NOT have nowhere to live or hunt from - they can do this on the land. this is a common misunderstanding. the real reason is that with more polar bears on the land they will be forced to enter human settlements were if they cause trouble they will be shot.

Answer 4

They're not an endagered species. Listed as "Threatened" by the IUCN, or "Vulnerable". The population in 1970 was around 7500. Today, there are nearly 25,000, a surprising increase in numbers.

Answer 5

Global Warming has caused the melting of the Arctic's ice glacier and snow. This is where polar bears and their cubs live and hunt. Think of it like this: You a standing in the middle of the ocean in a boat that is falling apart by the second because you are being shot at. Soon, you are left with only a pole to hold on to.

Answer 6

As of June 2nd, 2011, according to the IUCN Red List website, the status of the Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) is Vulnerable with a decreasing population trend. While this rating is NOT the same as 'Endangered', they are still in danger

There are many reasons for this:

• Global warming results in habitat loss. Bears rely on their habitat, the Arctic sea ice, to catch their main food source, seals. The fat they build up from eating seals in the winter lasts them through the summers. However, the winters are getting shorter, and summers are getting longer. Bears are becoming weaker, and female bears have fewer cubs.
• We are doing very little to stop the loss of habitat by global warming. We even seem to have a problem slowing it down.
• Over hunting is a threat to some populations.
• Threats to this species are poaching dependence on human garbage dumps for food.
• Big males will kill and consume small cubs.

Answer 7

for its fur and meat

The polar bear is not listed as endangered, but as Vulnerable. Hunting for this animal is not done much these days, with the special permits difficult to purchase. The bear has a population of 20000-25000.

Answer 8

Polar Bears are very vulnerable to climate change and human hunting. Due to their sheer size, they have no natural predators except themselves. Large males have been known to kill off younger/smaller bears to cut out on competition. Man has been hunting these giant carnivores for centuries for its skin and fur. As of now, approximately 20000 to 25000 animals exist in the Arctic wilderness. Their numbers are steadily declining due to habitat loss and hunting. Oil and Gas exploration in the Arctic too is a significant cause for the decline in Polar Bear numbers. Due to human activity and global warming, the ice caps are melting. So, the effective land that the bears have for hunting is coming down. Pollution too is killing off prey species. So, everything put together is endangering the species.

Answer 9

In May 2008 the U.S listed the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

Polar bears depend on sea ice for hunting and breeding. Summer ice loss in the Arctic now equals an area the size of Alaska, Texas, and the state of Washington combined.

The video link below shows the white summer ice getting smaller and smaller every year from 1978 to 2008.

In 2009 the IUCN, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, at a meeting of its Polar Bear Specialist Group stated:

1. The greatest challenge to conservation of polar bears is ecological change in the Arctic resulting from climatic warming.
2. Unabated global warming will ultimately threaten polar bears everywhere.
3. Declines in the extent of the sea ice have accelerated since the last meeting of the group in 2005, with unprecedented sea ice retreats in 2007 and 2008.
4. Where habitats are stable, polar bears are a renewable resource. We support the right of aboriginal groups to harvest polar bears within sustainable limits.
5. One of 19 sub-populations of polar bear is currently increasing, 3 are stable and 8 are declining. For the remaining 7 sub-populations available data were insufficient to provide an assessment of current trend.
6. The total number of polar bears is still thought to be between 20,000 and 25,000.
7. Interpretations by scientists and local hunters disagree regarding population status.
8. We are optimistic that humans can mitigate the effects of global warming and other threats to polar bears, and ensure that they remain a part of the Arctic ecosystem in perpetuity.

Answer 10

Polar bears, with a current population of 25000, are listed as "Vulnerable", not endangered.