Why are Svalbard polar bears gaining body fat?

Svalbard polar bears are gaining body fat by feasting on land-based prey like reindeer and walruses, and finding it easier to hunt seals in smaller ice areas due to warmer temperatures.

How has Arctic warming affected polar bears in Svalbard?

Warming Arctic temperatures have led to faster sea ice loss in the Barents Sea, but paradoxically, Svalbard polar bears have improved their body condition by adapting their diet and hunting strategies.

Are polar bears in other Arctic regions also thriving?

No, the improved physical health of polar bears in Svalbard is an unexpected finding. In other Arctic regions, such as Hudson Bay, polar bears have shown declining body condition due to warming.

Home / Environment / Polar Bears Get Fat Despite Melting Ice

Polar Bears Get Fat Despite Melting Ice

30 Jan

•

Summary

Svalbard polar bears surprisingly gained body fat.
They feast on land-based prey like reindeer and walruses.
Warming temperatures aid hunting of seals in smaller ice areas.

Polar bears in Norway's Svalbard archipelago have unexpectedly gained body fat, contrary to trends observed elsewhere in the Arctic. Despite significant sea ice loss, these bears have shown an increase in their body condition index between 1995 and 2019.

This surprising trend is attributed to their successful adaptation of feeding on land-based prey. Recovered populations of reindeer and walruses have become a significant food source for the Svalbard bears.

Additionally, warmer temperatures have improved their hunting efficiency for ringed seals, which are now concentrated in smaller sea ice areas. This contrasts with polar bears in regions like Hudson Bay, where declining body condition has been observed.