Polar Bear

Polar

Polar bears are among the largest carnivores in the world. Highly dependent on older stable sea  ice in the arctic region, polar bears spend much of their time hundreds of miles from land. In May 2006, the World Conservation Union added the polar bear to its Red List of the world’s most imperiled animals, predicting a 30% reduction in the polar bear population in the next 45 years.

Read Background and Recovery

Polar Bears Listed


May 14, 2008 - Defenders of Wildlife welcomes decision to list polar bears as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, points out Bush administration still unwilling to address global warming.

Read the Press Release


In the Field

Defenders is exploring the best locations to develop and implement local and regional bear-awareness campaigns to help minimize conflicts between people and polar bears.

Read More

Management and Policy

The polar bear’s habitat is melting away, threatening its survival, but we can still save this Arctic icon. By taking immediate steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we can address the root cause of global warming.

Read More

On Thin Ice: The Future of the Polar Bear

Jamie Rappaport Clark testifying on the future of the polar bear.Defenders' Jamie Rappaport Clark, testified at the January 17, 2008 U.S. House of Representatives hearing titled, On Thin Ice: The future of the Polar Bear.

Read her testimony