News on the Polar Bear
According to US Fish and Wildlife, the polar bear numbers are at their highest point this last century, going from approximately 5000 animals in 1950 to an incredible amount of close to 25,000 in 2006!!!! And this in the face of shrinking environment, I think it is a direct result of sound conservation practices and the huge in flux of money generated by hunters and license fees. But what is disturbing is the US Fish and wildlife; want to place them on endangered species list!!! I feel there is a real danger of the bears beginning to over populate areas, which I am sure is happening more and more , as the sea ice seems to be forming later and later in the year , which is what the bears depend upon to go out and hunt seals. The seals provide them with the nutrients so vital to their surviving in their brutal environment ,not being able to hunt the seals , they would have to turn to scavenging in and around populated areas , which puts all the native people in danger, yes bears will eats dogs, and people if desperate, as being trapped on land without being able to go out on the sea ice ,is a virtual death sentence for the bears, from either starvation , or being shot as nuisances in the villages as they wander in search of food.
That is why hunting is such a great conservation tool, as hunters generally take large mature Males, which has very little impact on the overall population, actually helps the population, as the males are the ones that eat the young bears,(yes they eat cubs and will kill the mother if she tries to fight off a big male) if the opportunity arises. That is why I do not agree with placing them on the endangered species list, as the way this species came back was due in large part to limited controlled hunting, sportsman’s dollars, which put a huge influx of money into the very areas that need it most, the towns and villages in the area , I feel it has cut down on poaching by natives , as he bears become more valuable to them by having hunters come to their areas to hunt these bears, as opposed to them selling them on the black market ,and risking jail time.
Please feel free to e-mail me any comments or additional information, and please call or email US Fish and Game Dept. and voice your opinion
You can e-mail me at
Lloyd@becomeabetterhunter.com
Last Updated:
October 16, 2007
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