Polar Bears Adapting to a Changing Arctic

As sea ice retreats, polar bears face longer periods on land with reduced hunting opportunities. Some populations are adapting by hunting on land or scavenging, while others face starvation. Blue Ocean News follows researchers tracking bear behavior.

Biologists use GPS collars and genetic analysis to understand how polar bear diets and movements are changing. The findings reveal remarkable flexibility in some regions and dire situations in others.

This investigation asks whether adaptation can keep pace with rapid climate change, or if the Arctic's apex predator is facing inevitable decline. The answer has implications for the entire Arctic ecosystem.