As climate change continues to reduce Arctic sea ice, polar bears are facing significant challenges in their natural habitat. With the diminishing ice, many polar bears in Hudson Bay have been forced to shift their diets from marine-based sources to land-based alternatives during parts of the summer.
A recent study focusing on these polar bears has revealed a worrying trend: despite adapting to new food sources, an overwhelming number of bears are experiencing weight loss. This decline in body condition poses serious threats to their survival and reproduction rates, highlighting the profound impact of climate change on Arctic wildlife.
The inability to find adequate nutrition on land underscores the importance of preserving sea ice habitats to ensure the long-term viability of polar bear populations.
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Study finds extended land-based diet causes polar bears to drop pounds
cgtn.com
