Polar Bear Week

Freezing weather and ice floes as far as the eye can see characterise the remote area that is home to polar bears. These unique creatures have beautiful coats that appear snow-white, but their existence is under threat from rising temperatures. Polar Bear Week was created to support them.

The creation of the week

Polar bears depend on cold weather for both their biological needs and food. However, people are unaware of the problems they face. Polar Bears International therefore decided to create Polar Bear Week, which was created to mark the annual polar bear gathering near Churchill, Canada. They regularly migrate here and wait for the ice to form in Hudson Bay, where they hunt seals.

Polar Bear Week is held annually the first week of November, and this year it runs from November 2 to 8. It aims to highlight not only the uniqueness of these animals, but also the threats they face in a warming Arctic.

Protecting polar bears and people

Climate change is causing significant melting of sea ice. Polar bears are losing their natural habitat. As a result, their ability to hunt seals, travel and maintain their basic life functions is compromised. Because of the changing conditions, they are forced to go ashore, but their physical condition deteriorates and they are more prone to reproductive disorders.

The uniqueness of polar bears

Polar bears have undergone a series of evolutionary changes to survive in the freezing conditions of the Arctic. Their bodies are made up of a thick layer of fat and dense fur; they have smaller ears and tails to reduce heat loss and paws adapted to walking on ice. They are excellent swimmers and their fur is water-repellent. Adult males weigh 350-600 kg, while females typically weigh 150-295 kg. Their average lifespan is around 15 to 18 years, but a few bears have been recorded in their 30s.

They are also known for their heavy gait. As they are very prone to overheating, they move slowly. When they need to replenish their energy, they are able to nap almost anywhere. They dig holes in the snow or cover themselves with a layer of snow during blizzards. On average, they sleep about 7-8 hours. Interestingly, they are very clean creatures. As soon as they recognize that their fur is dirty or matted, they go for a bath in the water.

Their fate is in our hands

The polar bear population is in danger of declining significantly. There are currently about 26,000 individuals worldwide. However, studies show that unless measures are put in place to protect them, there will be only a few individuals left by the end of the century. But climate change is not the only threat they face. Pollution, disease, lack of habitat protection and efforts to hunt them are also problems. Polar Bear Week seeks to spread awareness about polar bear conservation.