Student Article

Polar bears are facing new problems because of climate change. A study by scientists at the University of Washington found that many polar bears are getting large blocks of ice stuck to their paws. These blocks can be up to 12 inches wide and are causing lesions and making it hard for the bears to walk or run.

Melty days, icy nights

The scientists studied polar bears in Canada and Greenland and learned that the ice blocks form because of warmer weather. The snow and ice melt during the day and then freeze again at night. When this happens, the slushy snow sticks to the bears’ feet and turns into hard ice. In one group of bears in the Kane Basin, 31 out of 61 had injuries from the ice. In East Greenland, 15 out of 124 bears had the same problem. Scientists believe that rising temperatures in the Arctic are the main cause.

Paws designed for ice

Polar bears have bumpy pads on their paws to help them grip the ice. But those bumps also give the melting snow a place to adhere and freeze. Sled dogs in the Arctic are also being affected in the same way.

Sharp snow and frozen toes

When sea ice becomes thinner, seawater melts the snow above it. That wet snow clumps onto the bears’ feet and freezes into solid ice. Warmer weather also melts the top layer of snow. When it gets cold again, that layer hardens, and the bears’ paws can get cut as they walk across it.

A call to protect the Arctic

Scientists say it is important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to help slow down global warming. If we protect the environment, we can also protect polar bears and other animals that live in cold climates.

© Sheena Harvey / Our Media