In midwinter, the polar bear’s marine habitat is abundant and in the long-term average range – Would you stand out for that?

Dr. Susan Crockford

Ahead of this year’s International Polar Bear Day (February 27), the polar bear’s habitat is as rich as it has been in decades. These are difficult times for polar bears, many of which will have a hard time finding seals to eat, as newborn seals will not be an available food source for about a month in most areas. Bear is thin and hungry danger.

The sea ice chart below is for the entire Arctic and by region.

Global sea ice extent NSIDC Masie

Global sea ice levels relative to long-term averages Interactive sea ice chart NSIDC

Global ice extent in 2022 compared with four years ago NSIDC . Area Graph

Global sea ice thickness DMI

Remember that dark blue and purple areas (first year ice) are the best hunting habitat for polar bears as they are the best habitat for seals:

Levels and Concentrations in the Canadian Arctic Canadian Ice Service

Chukchi / Bering Sea development stage (note below) Alaska Sea Ice Show

Barents Sea / East Greenland / Kara Sea Ice concentration and extent Norwegian Ice Service

Close-up of the Barents / Svalbard . region Norwegian Ice Service