Polar bears in Svalbard are fatter and healthier despite ice loss

Researchers measured 770 adult polar bears in Svalbard between 1992 and 2019 and found body condition increased even as regional sea ice declined; the study was published in Scientific Reports.

Researchers report that polar bears in Svalbard have become fatter and generally healthier since the early 1990s, even as regional sea ice has declined. The conclusion is based on body measurements collected from hundreds of bears over several decades. Scientists found the result unexpected because polar bears normally rely on sea ice to hunt seals. The analysis and findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports. Key findings: - Researchers weighed and measured 770 adult polar bears in Svalbard from 1992 to 2019. - Average body condition increased after about 2000, despite a long-term loss of sea ice in the region. - The number of ice-free days in the area rose by roughly 100 days over the study period, at about four days per year. - Authors suggest bears have compensated by eating more land-based prey and carrion, including reindeer, walrus carcasses, and harbour seals, and note walrus numbers rose after mid-20th century protections. - Experts and co-authors caution the improvement is likely temporary and that continued ice loss is expected to harm polar bears over the long term. Summary: The study indicates a short-term, region-specific buffering of climate impacts on polar bear body condition in Svalbard, likely linked to changes in prey availability and population recoveries of some species. Researchers warn this pattern may not persist if sea ice loss continues. Undetermined at this time.