Polar bears, the Arctic's iconic apex predators, are struggling to maintain their weight as melting sea ice forces them to rely on land-based food sources, according to a new study. Researchers tracking Hudson Bay polar bears found that nearly all are losing pounds—no matter what they eat—amid longer ice-free seasons caused by climate change.
Imagine swapping your go-to protein shake for a salad every day—it’s just not enough. Polar bears, built to hunt seals on ice, now snack on berries, birds, and eggs during summer. But these snacks don’t pack enough calories to offset their energy needs, leaving them in a calorie deficit.
Scientists warn that if warming trends continue, polar bears could face starvation risks and population declines. It’s a climate crisis plot twist even Hollywood didn’t see coming . Time to rethink how we protect these giants of the North?
. Time to rethink how we protect these giants of the North?
