“Polar Bears Suffering Horrific Paw Injuries Due to Changing Arctic Ice Conditions”
Polar bears in the Arctic are facing a new and alarming threat as changing ice conditions are causing horrific wounds on their paws, a recent study reveals. Researchers have observed polar bears with large balls of ice stuck to their feet, leading to deep, bleeding cuts on their paw pads.
The study, led by marine ecologist and associate professor Kristin Laidre from the University of Washington, highlights the severity of these injuries, with some bears unable to walk or run easily due to the ice balls. This is the first time scientists have documented such injuries in polar bears, as reported in the journal Ecology.
The ice balls are believed to form from slushy snow getting stuck between the bumps on the bears’ paw pads, which then freeze solid into large blocks of ice measuring up to 12 inches across. These chunks of ice are not just caught in the bears’ fur but are sealed to the skin, causing significant pain and discomfort.
Approximately one in four polar bears from two populations in northern Greenland were found to have ice-related injuries, with adult males being the most affected. These males, known for traveling long distances and being heavier than females or cubs, are more prone to sustaining these injuries.
Researchers examined polar bears from populations in East Greenland and Kane Basin between 2012 and 2022, finding that a significant number of bears displayed lacerations, skin ulceration, hair loss, or ice buildup on their paws. The study suggests that rising temperatures in the Arctic, leading to wet snow and freeze-thaw cycles, are contributing to these injuries.
Indigenous hunters in the region have also noticed these wounds on polar bears’ feet, attributing them to increased movement during mating and hunting seasons. They have observed similar issues with their sled dogs, indicating a broader impact of changing ice conditions in the Arctic.
Experts like John Whiteman, an assistant professor of biology at Old Dominion University and chief research scientist at Polar Bears International, have expressed surprise at the extent of these injuries. If these conditions persist and become more widespread, more polar bears could be at risk of foot damage.
The findings of this study shed light on the urgent need to address the impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems and the wildlife that depend on them. As temperatures continue to rise, polar bears and other Arctic species face increasing challenges that threaten their survival.