endangered animals

Polar bears are mammals that are found throughout the circumpolar Arctic. They or their tracks have been reported close to the North Pole, and some scientists report that a few have areas past the 82 degree north latitude line. The northern Atlantic Ocean has little food for them The majority of them are found near land masses around the edge of the polar basin. They inhabit Arctic Sea ice area, water islands and continental coastlines. It lives on fish and seals and even walruses. Polar bears are as long as seven feet to even eleven feet! Polar bears are able to stay warm and even swim in the cold waters because their fur is waterproof. It also helps them stay up above the water when they swim. The number of polar bears in the wild has gone down, mainly because of loss of habitat. What that means is the shrinking of the arctic ice cap (due to global warming). Their population growth is slow. Some scientists believe the warmer climates are hurting the denning process of the bears. This is something that scientists are watching and will continue to watch in order to help find ways to help the polar bears survive. Resources: "The Shrinking Polar Bears", The National Features (2003) http://www.tv.cbc.ca/national/pgminfo/warming/bears.html "Polar Bear Trackers", World Wildlife Fund (2003) http://www.panda.org/polarbears/ "Polar Bears International", (2003) http://www.polarbearsalive.org/	Vertaling volgt

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Written by: Beth	(geschreven door)