Polar Bears International
What They Do
Polar Bears have very specific adaptations that have allowed them to survive in the harsh sea ice environment, making them very different than all other species of bears. Everything from their 2 layers of thick fur and thick padding of fat to their specialized paws and strong sharp claws allow polar bears to survive the freezing temperatures, hunt seals, and roam the vast sea ice in the artic. The adaptations that make these bears so incredible also make them extremely vulnerable to the changes to their environment, as they have become hyperspecialized to living on the sea ice and hunting seals. As global temperatures have risen, polar bears have been forced to make their way onto the shores for longer during the summer and feed on various terrestrial food sources. However, these are not viable food sources for polar bears long-term therefore, without their sea ice habitat, there will be no polar bears.
Polar Bears International, as the only conservation organization dedicated solely to these amazing animals, is extremely knowledgeable about the fascinating physiology of polar bears as well as the many factors that are putting these bears at risk of disappearing. Their mission is to ensure the long-term survival of polar bears through research, education, action, and advocacy.
Polar Bears International, or PBI, has active researchers conducting population studies in Canada's Hudson Bay, Norway's Barents Sea, and Russia's Wrangel Island. These studies are primarily focused on using tracking collars to evaluate the size and health of each population as well as how each population is responding to the decline in Sea Ice. Polar Bears International is also conducting research on maternal denning of polar bears in Svalbard, Norway. Continuing upon earlier research conducted in Alaska, these studies are essential to understanding the most vulnerable time in polar bears' lives. To get more detailed information about the physiology and mental processes of polar bears in order to better conduct field research, PBI has also partnered with numerous zoos that have the capabilities to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures.
In addition to the extensive research conducted by this organization, PBI provides numerous resources such as lesson plans, classroom activities, live trackers, and webcams to further educate the public and promote the conservation of these bears. Polar Bears International uses their broad knowledge of polar bears to provide policy makers useful knowledge to affect change at a higher level.
Every purchase from our entire Polar Collection directly supports Polar Bears International. Also, because polar bears depend so much on the ocean for their survival, each purchase will also contribute to #TeamSeas, removing one pound of marine debris from the ocean through projects with the Ocean Conservancy and the Ocean Cleanup.
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All of the information about polar bears on this site was found on Polar Bears International's website.
