Polar Bears Listed as Endangered Species

Acting on advice from scientists and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the United States today listed polar bears as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

Researchers say melting Arctic sea ice has threatened the natural habitat of the polar bears.

Interior Secretary Kirk Kempthorne said, “While the legal standards under the ESA compel me to list the polar bear as threatened, I want to make clear that this listing will not stop global climate change or prevent any sea ice from melting. Any real solution requires action by all major economies for it to be effective.”

More than two-thirds of the polar bear population can be found in Canada, where they are not protected.

While Canadian officials have been urged to safeguard the animals, Canada has not declared them endangered, claiming the polar bears are not in any imminent threat of extinction.

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