Happy International Polar Bear Day! As one of the most beloved animals roaming beneath the Arctic sky, polar bears have become a symbol for conservation in the face of a rapidly warming world. Despite their claim to fame as the largest terrestrial carnivore on the planet- with some individuals weighing up to 1,000 pounds- polar bears tend to be classified as marine mammals due to their unique relationship to sea ice. Although they will forage extensively on anything from seabirds to fish, most polar bears depend heavily on the high-fat content of seals to survive the long and brutal winters. In order to catch their preferred prey, they utilize the sea ice by staking out holes where seals are likely to emerge. However, as less and less sea ice returns each winter, polar bears lose their platform for ambushing seals, casting the fate of their species in uncertainty. So how do we help polar bears navigate the challenges of a rapidly warming climate? We can start by advocating for more protections surrounding the Arctic’s delicate ecosystems and support climate research. However, we must also tackle the source of the melting sea ice by protecting key decarbonizing habitats. Seagrass meadows, mangroves, and even marine animals like whales all play a vital role in capturing carbon from the atmosphere. As our team starts to gear up for this week’s “Our Ocean Conference” in Panama, we are looking to increase the percentage of highly and fully protected areas and the connectivity of MPAs within our ocean. A healthy ocean supports all wildlife, including seals and polar bears. So stay tuned for more updates later this week as we delve into a new chapter of hope for our planet. Video by @paulnicklenofficial #fyp #polarbear #internationalpolarbearday #conservation