Polar bear swims 400 miles
Polar bears swim long distances
George Durner, research zoologist with the U.S. Geological Survey – Alaska Science Center, describes data showing that one polar bear swam 400 miles. Bears have been forced by sea ice retreat to swim further distances.
“How much does it cost a bear to swim? And how does that compare to what it costs a bear to walk?” ~ George Durner
Anthony Pagano, research zoologist with the U.S. Geological Survey – Alaska Science Center, talks about attaching small electronic devices called accelerometers to polar bear collars to measure changes in motion. Accelerometers help decode the behaviors of wild polar bears.
“Because it’s recording at such a high frequency it’s basically able to capture all the small changes in body motion that an animal is making.” ~ Anthony Pagano
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Project Summary
Polar Bears
Polar Bears — Scientists investigate how sea ice habitat changes and hunting strategies impact polar bear reproduction, health and survival. Thanks to polar bear images contributed by Polar Bears International and by Daniel J. Cox of Natural Exposures. “Our mission is to conserve polar bears and the sea ice they depend on. We also work to... Read More >
