Articles

Here, you’ll find the latest news on polar bears, climate warming, the latest research, and more.

Polar bear walking towards the viewer on sea ice, viewed from above
Frequently Asked Questions

Do Polar Bears Drink Water?

Polar bears need to drink water just like the rest of us, but one way they get it is sure to surprise you.

Read more

Article | 3 min | Jan 10, 2025

Polar bear and 2 coys huddled near a fence and oil drum in Churchill, Manitoba.
Human-Polar Bear Coexistence

Of Bears and Trash: The Aftermath of Churchill's Waste Facility Fire

A devastating fire at the waste facility in Churchill, Canada, led to a risky situation this fall with up to 30 polar bears pawing through trash at the landfill

Read more

Article | 10 min | Dec 23, 2024

Polar Bear on the Tundra Next to Open Water - Kt Miller
Climate Warming

Late Freeze-Up in Southern Hudson Bay

The polar bears of Southern Hudson Bay are spending a record amount of time off the sea ice this year. What does this mean for them?

Read more

Article | 3 min | Dec 19, 2024

Community leaders from Churchill, Manitoba, Northern Ontario, and Longyearbyen, Svalbard, gather in Churchill for the first Polar Bear Safe Community Exchange in 2024.
About Polar Bears

Polar Bear Safe Community Exchange in Churchill

Communities that live alongside polar bears can learn from each other and foster human-bear coexistence by sharing knowledge and perspectives.

Read more

Article | 7 min | Nov 27, 2024

Dick Beck, Krista Wright, and Val Beck on a Tundra Buggy - Daniel J. Cox
Our Team

In Memory of Dick Beck

We are deeply saddened to report that Emeritus Director Dick Beck, who played a key role in making Polar Bears International what it is today, passed away on November 24.

Read more

Article | 3 min | Nov 26, 2024

A Few of Our Favorite Things 2024 - Image
Explore the Arctic

A Few of Our Favorite Things 2024

Get ready to spread holiday cheer, give back to a greater cause, and make this season unforgettable with Polar Bears International’s list of “Favorite Things!”

Read more

Article | 5 min | Nov 20, 2024

Large female polar bear walking on ice - BJ Kirschhoffer
About Polar Bears

How Can You Tell If a Polar Bear Is Pregnant?

How can you tell if a female polar bear is pregnant? One sign is to look at how fat she is

Read more

Article | 4 min | Nov 15, 2024

Panelists on stage at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly - Kieran Mulvaney
Climate Warming

Fiddling While the Arctic Burns

Notes from the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly

Read more

Article | 5 min | Nov 1, 2024

Polar bear paws covered in icy snow build-up - Kristin Laidre
About Polar Bears

In a Warming Arctic, Ice is Injuring Polar Bears’ Feet

Climate change is not only reducing the extent of Arctic ice; it may also be causing some of that ice to injure the feet of polar bears

Read more

Article | 5 min | Nov 1, 2024

A polar bear play bites at another bear
About Polar Bears

10 Surprising Facts About Polar Bears

From a love of blubber to enormous paws, polar bears are remarkable animals, with many unusual adaptations that help them thrive in the Arctic. Here, 10 of our favorite facts about what makes polar bears tick

Read more

Article | 5 min | Oct 28, 2024

Kim Titchener stands in front of a green culvert trap for polar bears - Rita Taylor
About Polar Bears

State of Grace: Coexisting with Polar Bears

“To coexist with any bear, we must change the way we live and work in their habitat”

Read more

Article | 6 min | Oct 23, 2024

Mother polar bear lying down on ice while 1 yearling cub sits behind.
About Polar Bears

Polar Bear Week Highlights the Annual Polar Bear Gathering on the Frontlines of Climate Change

Polar Bears International encourages people to join the live programming, take climate action, and support polar bear coexistence and research efforts

Read more

Article | 8 min | Oct 21, 2024

Mobile Radar Tower - Erinn Hermsen
Education Centre

Training at the Zoo and Looking Out for Squirrels

Our work continues on “bear-dar,” a prototype radar system designed to warn people about the presence of polar bears

Read more

Article | 6 min | Oct 18, 2024

Group photo of the 2024 Climate Alliance group - Shervin Hess
Climate Warming

Heading to Churchill with Climate Alliance

Sue Novotny, our new senior director of communications, has traveled widely across the Arctic, but had never visited Churchill before. She did so this year as part of our Climate Alliance program, an experience she describes as highly motivating.

Read more

Article | 4 min | Oct 17, 2024

Map of the Arctic with a red pin marking Churchill's location and Hudson Bay
About Polar Bears

Why Do Polar Bears Gather Near Churchill?

Churchill, Canada is well known for its polar bears — but why do the bears congregate there?

Read more

Article | 5 min | Oct 15, 2024