Scientists have uncovered heartbreaking footage after strapping cameras to 20 polar bears in Hudson Bay, Canada. Their goal was to study how these endangered animals are coping with shrinking sea ice caused by global warming.
The video revealed bears foraging for food on land—eating berries, grass, bird carcasses, and even chewing antlers. They were also seen swimming longer distances and engaging in play-fighting. “The footage really highlighted how intelligent these animals are,” said Anthony Pagano, lead researcher from the US Geological Survey.
Unfortunately, the findings were grim. Almost all the bears lost weight—one shed nearly 80 pounds. Despite trying to conserve energy or switch diets, neither strategy helped. “There’s no salvation from terrestrial feeding,” warned polar bear expert Andrew Derocher.
Since 1987, the polar bear population in the region has dropped by 30%. As sea ice continues to vanish, scientists warn the species could face extinction without drastic action.
According to Polar Bears International, the key to saving them is clear: “We need to move away from fossil fuels entirely.”