As a member at the top of the food chain, polar bears play a critical role in the health of the marine ecosystem. Additionally, they have played a critical role in the culture and economy of the Arctic people and global numbers are projected to decrease by 30% by 20250 (World Wildlife Foundation, 2021). It is imperative we work to rebound the population density of the polar bear to continue their important role in the marine ecosystem and the resources they offer the Arctic people.

While the original major threat to polar bears was overhunting by hunters (even though indigenous people hunted them sustainably for over a thousand years), today their biggest threat is the loss of sea ice habitat from climate change (WWF, 2021). They are also threatened by human contact, pollution, and industrial developments. According to the World Wildlife Foundation (2021), compared to the median sea ice recorded between 1981 and 2010, there have been roughly 770,000 square miles of lost sea ice and it is continuing to shrink at a rate of 14% per decade. Without sea ice, polar bears cannot consume as much food and unhealthy bears will lead to lower reproduction rates which will reduce the chance this species survives.

The World Wildlife Foundation is one of the organizations currently working to protect and strengthen polar bears. Some of the initiatives they are working on include protecting critical habitat through research and conservation, addressing impacts on increased shipping in the Bering Strait by working with shipping companies on better practices, and ensuring that all hunting activities remain sustainable and still support Indigenous people (WWF, 2021). Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working to support the species through their dedicated Polar Bear Program. The program focuses on supporting the 1973 Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the Polar Bear Conservation Management Plan (USFWS, 2021). They are also constantly researching and monitoring the animals and their ecosystem, implementing international programs with Canada, Russia, Norway, and Greenland, and developing cooperative agreements with the Alaska Native Organization (USFWS, 2021).

This petition is designed to draw action from both the state of Alaska and the U.S. Government to expand land protections for polar bears and their critical habitats. According to the World Wildlife Foundation (2021), oil and gas exploration and drilling threaten vulnerable populations. The current Arctic National Wildlife Refuge area is a good example and can be a model of future polar bear protection areas. Your signature strengthens our fight for protecting polar bears and their habitats.

While polar bears have slightly rebounded, reducing sea ice and industrial development continue to threaten their species. Through increased focus on habitat conservation, international initiatives, and reducing human-bear interaction and conflicts, polar bears can continue to recover and remain a key part of the Arctic marine ecosystem that relies on their presence. Please help us move this petition forward to ensure polar bears are properly represented and we can secure further protections to secure their future health and ability to thrive in their natural environment. Your signature will help us make a difference!