Polar bear's prey to join them on the Endangered Species list

An announcement by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said ringed seals (Pusa hispida) and bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus), both primary prey of the polar bear, will be listed as threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.

Both seals are depend on sea ice and snow, which are becoming scarce in the Arctic region during the summer months. With the decrease in sea ice and snow ringed seals will be unable to create snow caves to nurse and protect their pups, bearded seals use sea ice for breeding, nursing and raising their young. Both the sea ice and snow are imperative for the survival of ice-dwelling seals.

Climate warming is not just affecting polar bears but also their prey and other species around the globe. Action is needed against greenhouse gas pollution to help preserve the Arctic’s ecosystem, will you help by reducing your carbon footprint?