Early springs impact ice-dependent bears
In large part due to climatic warming, sea ice in the polar basin has been declining at a rate of about 9% per decade (an area roughly about the size of Alaska) for the last few decades,” says Dr. Ian Stirling, Senior Research Scientist with the Canadian Wildlife Service.
In Western Hudson Bay, the breakup is now about 3 weeks earlier on average than it was only 30 years ago. As a result, in this region the bears are able to feed less at the most important time of year (late spring – early summer) when freshly weaned seal pups are most abundant.
Seven simple ways you can help too
1) Reduce warm-up idling (approximately 30 seconds if above -15oC; a few minutes more if colder)
2) Turn your engine off if parked for more than 10 seconds (except in traffic)
3) Avoid using a remote car starter
4) Avoid using drive-throughs
5) Watch Al Gore’s documentary, “An Inconvenient Truth”
6) Display a ‘Our Driving Habits Destroy Habitats’ vehicle decal to help educate other motorists
7) Spread the word to family and friends
Maryanne Pope, writer and CEO of Pink Gazelle Productions Inc, is executive producer of the upcoming “Face the Future” series of environmental public service announcements. Click here to purchase your ‘Our Driving Habits Destroy Habitats’ vehicle decal. All proceeds go toward PSA production costs.
