Featured Image Credit: © BJ Kirschhoffer/Polar Bears International
By: Sarah Sharkey
In spite of the vanishing ice, the polar bear population in Labrador is growing. That’s right, as their counterparts in other areas of the world are declining at a frightening rate, these polar bears are thriving in their shrinking habitat.
According to Environment Canada, there are more than 2,500 polar bears in the area surrounding Labrador and northern Quebec. The signs continue to point to a healthy and happy polar bear population in this region. The scientists and native Inuit may disagree on the exact number of polar bears present, but they can agree that the population in very healthy. In fact, it might be the healthiest polar bear population in the world.
It is suspected that the polar bears here are doing so well because of the harp seal boom. A primary food source for the polar bears that have been growing impressively in recent years. The harp seal population boom is due to a collapse of the industry that hunted them for their fur.
As the seals grow, it is expected that the polar bear population will continue to grow with it. At least it is good news for polar bears in the region, but the future doesn’t look as bright for other polar bears around the world.
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