On Thin Ice: Polar Bears in a Changing Landscape

Polar bears rely on sea ice for survival and, fittingly, have become the flagship species for climate change. These marine mammals exhibit an impressive medley of physiological adaptations and behavioral strategies that enable them to survive and reproduce in extremely harsh conditions. Population monitoring is critical to determine how bears are responding to their changing environment; however, wild bears are logistically challenging to study. Scientists are turning to polar bears in zoos, which serve as a valuable resource for advancing scientific knowledge and producing solutions for the conservation and management of their wild cousins.