A polar bear attack in Canada that left two people injured has brought new warnings from scientists of a dangerous rise in human-bear encounters in a warming Arctic. The friends had just walked out of the door in the pre-dawn hours after a party when the young polar bear crept up behind them, unheard and […]
Tag: Polar Bear
Can you catch a yawn off a wild animal?
It’s well-known that yawning is contagious. Dogs will even respond to a yawning owner by producing a yawn of their own, thought to be an indication they are capable of cross-species empathy. But what about the other way round? What does it mean if you catch a yawn off a wild animal like a lion? […]
Dwindling Arctic Sea Ice Forces 10,000 Walruses Ashore
When we discuss sea ice here at NWF, we’re usually talking about polar bears. But this month, the annual loss of sea ice in the Arctic is affecting another marine mammal: walruses.Right now, melting ice caused by climate change is putting thousands of Pacific walruses that were forced onto shore in Alaska at risk of […]
Yeti may be undescribed bear species
The purported Yeti, an ape-like creature that walks upright and roams the remote Himalayas, may in fact be an ancient polar bear species, according to new DNA research by Bryan Sykes with Oxford University. Sykes subjected two hairs from what locals say belonged to the elusive Yeti only to discover that the genetics matched a […]
At the Top of the World…
Somewhere above the Arctic Circle. With Journeys Unforgettable Photographic Safaris Nikon D4. Nikon 16mm. ISO 400 f5.6 @ 1/1500 sec. Lexar Media. © Dana Allen www.photosafari-africa.net www.facebook.com/DanaAllenPhotoSafari
WWF-Canon expedition tackles Siberian mystery
A WWF scientific expedition sets off tomorrow to tackle an enduring mystery in the icy seas off Siberia. The expedition is going to the Laptev Sea to find out if local populations of walrus and polar bear are related to populations to the east or west. The expedition also plans to confirm walrus haulout locations, […]
Starved polar bear perished due to record sea-ice melt
A starved polar bear found found dead in Svalbard as “little more than skin and bones” perished due to a lack of sea ice on which to hunt seals, according to a reknowned polar bear expert. Climate change has reduced sea ice in the Arctic to record lows in the last year and Dr Ian […]
Russia sets tougher penalties for trafficking endangered animals
Russia’s State Duma has approved legislative amendments that mean tougher punishments for poaching and trafficking of rare species will come into force. The draft law was submitted by President Putin in March 2013 following a meeting with WWF Russia CEO, Dr. Igor Chestin in August 2012. It means anyone found smuggling “endangered species” can be […]