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Michael S. Nolan / SpecialistStock
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Michael S. Nolan / SpecialistStock
A curious young polar bear (Ursus maritimus), probably recently weaned from its mother, approaches the National Geographic Explorer after scavenging a polar bear carcass on multi-year ice floes in the Barents Sea off the eastern coast of Edgeoya (Edge Island) in the Svalbard Archipelago, Norway. The IUCN now lists global warming as the most significant threat to the polar bear, primarily because the melting of its sea ice habitat reduces its ability to find sufficient food. The IUCN states, " If climatic trends continue polar bears may become extirpated from most of their range within 100 years." On May 14, 2008, the United States Department of the Interior listed the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act
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In this print by Michael S. Nolan, we are transported to the icy landscapes of the Barents Sea in Norway's Svalbard Archipelago. A curious young polar bear, likely recently separated from its mother, approaches the National Geographic Explorer after feasting on a polar bear carcass found on multi-year ice floes. The image serves as a poignant reminder of the dire situation faced by these magnificent creatures. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) now recognizes global warming as the most significant threat to polar bears. As their sea ice habitat melts due to climate change, their ability to find sufficient food diminishes drastically. With deep concern for their survival, the IUCN warns that if current climatic trends persist, polar bears may be eradicated from much of their range within a mere century. This alarming prediction led to the United States Department of Interior listing them as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in 2008. Against this backdrop, Nolan's photograph captures not only the innocence and curiosity of this young bear but also highlights its vulnerability and uncertain future. The stark beauty of its surroundings emphasizes both the harshness and fragility of life in these remote Arctic regions. Through his lens, Nolan invites us into an intimate encounter with one of nature's most iconic symbols - an animal struggling against overwhelming odds brought about by human-induced climate change. It is a call to action for all who witness this image; urging us to protect and preserve our planet so that future generations can continue marveling at these majestic creatures roaming freely across vast expanses of ice.
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