This #polarbear has been tranquilized so #scientists can gather biological data to monitor the health of this #bear & the species in general. Only about 26,000 polar bears remain in the wild, & biologists are concerned about preserving this vulnerable #marinemammal..

#Polarbears (Ursus maritimus) are facing threats from #climatechange & loss of pack ice as our global temperatures rise. Because they sit at the top of the #Arctic #foodchain, they are also at risk of poisoning from toxins that biomagnify & bioaccumulate in their tissues

& fat reserves from their prey. And, as the oil & gas industry casts its eyes on the Arctic, a whole suite of concerns from these activities place polar bear populations in danger. #Drilling in the Arctic will impact their habitat, food supply, & contact with petro products can

even reduce their ability of their coat to insulate & conserve heat.

Although polar bears are isolated in/near the Arctic Circle, what we do around the globe affects their survival. Learn more by watching our free film, "Polar Bears Unplugged" at this link: https://vimeo.com/271430831 

#marinemammals #carnivore #arcticdrilling #ArcticOcean #Ursidae #STEM #scicomm #scienceeducation #scieed #scienceteachers #aviation #helicopters #helicopter #marinebiology #veterinarymedicine #wildlifevet #electricity #wildlife #conservation #wildlifeconservation