It’s International Polar Bear Day and to celebrate the occasion Parks Canada is honoring Wapusk National Park in Manitoba which is an important habitat for polar bears and a symbol of Arctic resilience. “Wapusk” means “white bear” in Cree and is an apt name for this icy sanctuary located in interior Canada.
If you would like to get involved in polar bear conservation efforts find more information below from Polar Bears International who are on a mission to conserve polar bears and the sea ice they depend on.
Polar Bear International By International Polar Bear Day:
We founded the day to coincide with the time period when polar bear moms and cubs are snug in their dens. As part of our celebration, we focus on the need to protect denning families across the Arctic.
Let’s Make an Impact
This year our focus is on raising funds to help protect moms and cubs, giving them the best possible chance of survival, while also supporting our other conservation efforts across the Arctic. On average, only about half of all cubs reach adulthood, with even lower survival rates in the most vulnerable populations.
Protecting Moms and Cubs
Right now, polar bear moms and their newborn cubs are snuggled together in snow dens across the Arctic.
Denning is the most vulnerable time in a polar bear’s life. And in a warming Arctic, where polar bears face enormous challenges, the survival of every single cub is critically important.
Polar bear cubs are born in winter dens hidden under the snow. At birth, they are blind, weigh little more than one pound, and have only a light layer of fur to protect them from the cold. Families remain in the den until spring when the cubs are finally large enough to survive the rigors of outside Arctic conditions.
Keeping moms and cubs safe while also addressing climate change is a critical part of our work on behalf of polar bears—and your support can make a real difference.
Get Involved on Polar Bear Day
Tune in to our events. Watch a video dispatch from our maternal den study team in Svalbard, Norway, and learn about a new study that is publishing on International Polar Bear Day. Find the details here.
Donate to protect moms and cubs. From better understanding the denning period, to protecting moms and cubs from disturbances, and addressing the overarching threat of climate change, your gift will help polar bear families.
Learn about moms and cubs. Discover some of our favorite facts about polar bear families.
Send a free polar bear e-card. Help spread the word about International Polar Bear Day with a polar bear mom and cub e-card.
Watch a video about our den-detection project. Experience the Arctic cold and find out how we’re working to protect moms and cubs.
