Scientists have long worried that global warming could drive polar bears to extinction. This is because polar bears hunt their primary prey, ringed seals, using sea ice, which is melting due to rising temperatures. But, contrary to expectations, polar bears in the Svalbard archipelago are looking healthy and even fat! A study in Scientific Reports found that polar bears are changing their diets. They are now eating reindeer, birds’ eggs, and other land animals. These new food sources have helped them survive as their icy habitat shrinks.
Hyundong Lee Staff Reporter kids/1775005190/1613368218
1. Who found bears changing their diets?
2. Where are the fat polar bears?
3. What land animals do bears eat?
1. Why are polar bears looking healthy?
2. How can bears survive without ice?
3. When do temperatures rise very fast?
Scientists have long worried that global warming could drive polar bears to extinction. This is because polar bears hunt their primary prey, ringed seals, using sea ice, which is melting due to rising temperatures. But, contrary to expectations, polar bears in the Svalbard archipelago are looking healthy and even fat!
