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News Release 10-236

Polar Bears: On Thin Ice? Extinction Can Be Averted, Scientists Say

Cutting greenhouse gases now is the key

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Photo of a female polar bear walkin along the shore of Canada's Hudson Bay, waiting for ice to form.

A female polar bear walks along the shore of Canada's Hudson Bay, waiting for ice to form.

Credit: Steven Amstrup, Polar Bears International


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Photo of sea-ice and a cloudy sky.

Greenhouse gas mitigation can reduce the loss of Arctic sea-ice--and polar bears.

Credit: NOAA


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Satellite image from north pole showing Arctic sea-ice, ice covered Greenland, and adjacent areas.

Arctic sea-ice continues to melt. Year by year, its extent is shrinking.

Credit: NASA


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Photo of two male polar bears sparing near Hudson Bay.

Two male polar bears playfully spar near Hudson Bay, where sea ice melts in summer and reforms in autumn. The bears need the ice to reach their prey, such as seals.

Credit: Steven Amstrup, Polar Bears International


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Photo of rounded pieces of Arctic ice.

Arctic "pancake" ice consists of round pieces ranging from inches to feet in diameter.

Credit: NOAA


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Photo of a lone polar bear on Arctic ice.

Last of the polar bears? According to new research, the answer may be no.

Credit: Environment Canada


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