Polar bears defy extinction threat

CHRIS MCAULEY

THE world's polar bear population is on the increase despite global

warming, which scientists had believed was pushing the animal towards

extinction.

According to new research, the numbers of the giant predator have

grown by between 15 and 25 per cent over the last decade.

Some authorities on Arctic wildlife even claim that hunting, and not

global warming, has been the real cause of the decrease in polar bear

numbers in areas where the species is in decline.

A leading Canadian authority on polar bears, Mitch Taylor,

said: "We're seeing an increase in bears that's really unprecedented,

and in places where we're seeing a decrease in the population it's

from hunting, not from climate change."

Mr Taylor estimates that during the past decade, the Canadian polar

bear population has increased by 25 per cent - from 12,000 to 15,000

bears.

He even suggests that global warming could actually be good for the

bears, and warns that the ever-increasing proximity of the animals to

local communities could mean that a cull will be required sooner

rather that later if bear numbers are to be kept under control.

In the northern territories, where temperatures have risen an average

of four degrees since 1950, wildlife experts such as Mr Taylor say

the bears have never been healthier or more plentiful.

The findings fly directly in the face of recent warnings from the

scientific community on the demise of the species, with the Canadian

World Wildlife Fund currently speculating that the last polar bear

could vanish from the earth within 100 years.

part of an article posted to ClimateConcern