(Image Source: Global Post)



BY: MYCHAELA BRUNER



Biologists have warned-- the rapid loss of ice due to climate change - is proving deadly for many polar bear cubs.
And now -- a study adds from the U.S. Geological Survey backs up those scientists. CNBC reports.


“Climate change could be to blame for further endangering the endangered polar bear. Melting ice off Alaska’s coast is forcing cubs to swim longer distances.  Experts believe the longer swims are creasing the cubs mortality rates.”

Polar bears are terrestrial creatures that hunt and feed on the ice.  News24 quotes Geoff York of World Wildlife Fund, who explains why polar bears are great swimmers, but long periods in the water -- can be deadly.

They're a lot like us... They can't close off their nasal passages in rough waters. So for old bears or young bears alike, if they're out in open water and a storm hits, they're going to have a tough time surviving."


Between 2004 and 2009, the U.S. Geological Survey tracked 68 adult female polar bears by radio collars - and found their swims have grown longer over the past six years. TIME’s Ecocentric blog reports...


“...they found 50 long-distance swimming events, with one swim as long as 426 miles and lasting as long as 12.7 days... Cubs forced to swim suffered a 45% mortality rate during the years of the study, while only 18% of the cubs not forced to make long swims died.”


The Associated Press notes -- researchers cannot say for sure the cubs who disappeared over long swims drowned. Sustainability Ninja explains why cubs are particularly vulnerable.


“Their smaller body size leaves them more prone to hypothermia, and they don¹t have the energy reserves of the adult bear. They can’t feed while swimming, and it takes a lot of energy to keep up with mom.”

Studies show that the trend of ice loss will continue for decades.  Global Post reports...

“The Arctic is warming faster than elsewhere because of greenhouse gases accumulating in the atmosphere … The extent of Arctic sea ice dropped to record low levels in July 2011; sea ice volume is now 47% lower than the levels in 1979, when satellite records began.”

Sci/Health News: Polar Bear Cubs Dying - VIDEO

Melting Ice Threatens Polar Bears

July 21, 2011
(2:09)
Biologists have warned the rapid loss of ice due to climate change is proving deadly for many polar bear cubs.
   
TRANSCRIPT

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