Study: Polar bears disappearing from key region

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By SETH BORENSTEIN

WASHINGTON (AP) — A key polar bear population fell nearly by half in the past decade, a new U.S.-Canada study found, with scientists seeing a dramatic increase in young cubs starving and dying.

Researchers chiefly blame shrinking sea ice from global warming.

Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey and Environment Canada captured, tagged and released polar bears in the southern Beaufort Sea from 2001 to 2010. The bear population shrank to about 900 in 2010, down from about 1,600 in 2004. That area is one of two main U.S. polar bear regions.

"These estimates suggest to me that the habitat is getting less stable for polar bears," said study lead author Jeff Bromaghin, a USGS statistician.

FULL story at link.



This handout photo provided by the US Geological Survey, taken in 2005 shows Steve Amstrup holding triplet polar bear cubs in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. A new U.S.-Canada study says a key polar bear population fell nearly in half in the past decade, with scientists seeing a dramatic increase in young cubs dying. Researchers chiefly blame shrinking sea ice from global warming. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey and Environment Canada tagged and released polar bears in the southern Beaufort Sea from 2001 to 2010. The bear population shrank to about 900 in 2010, down from about 1600 in 2004. their mother was being processed for satellite collar tagging, weight, temperature, measurement, and other observations. (AP Photo/USGS)


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20141117/us-sci-polar-bears-a7b8fa678d.html

[Baclava]

1. Canadian arctic trophy hunts still going on

Polar Bear Hunting in the Arctic - Canada North Outfitting

All hunts are normally of 10 days duration on a 1X1 basis (one guide and dog team to one hunter) or 2X2 basis if clients wish. The hunt ends when a polar bear is harvested, even if this happens in the first day or two.

A recent environment Canada report states that Canada's Arctic is home to about 15,500 polar bears, consisting two thirds of the world population. Canada is a proven world leader in the management, research, monitoring and conservation of polar bears.

Since 1975, the polar bear population has actually increased in Canada. Polar bears are long lived wide ranging carnivores with seals as their primary food source.

http://www.canadanorthoutfitting.com/polar_bear.shtml


Government Fees

NON-RESIDENT HUNTING LICENSE $50.00 C
POLAR BEAR TROPHY FEE $750.00 C
MUSK OX TROPHY FEE $150.00 C

There is also a 7% Goods and Services Tax due on each license and fee.


http://www.polarbearhunting.net/

[Moostache]

3. "...when a polar bear is harvested"...

That phrasing made me a little sick.

You wanna impress me with your machismo, go out there ALONE, with no rifles or knives and survive an encounter with an adult Polar bear....otherwise, I am not impressed and the people doing this should be stopped.

[madamvlb]

2. Trophy Fee? This word makes me sick.