Although climate change is occurring and affecting many animals physically, researchers in Svalbard, Norway have discovered that polar bears are getting ‘fatter’, which is the opposite of their predictions due to ice caps melting rapidly.
A new study reported in the Scientific Reports (‘Body condition among Svalbard Polar bears Ursus maritimus during a period of rapid loss of sea ice’ by Aars, J., Ieno, E.N., Andersen, M. et al) had 770 adult bears living in the Barents Sea closely analysed.
Polar bears live in Arctic regions where sea ice is sufficient, as they depend on ice for food for survival. Their food sources include seals as main prey.
Climate change causes warmer temperatures, which leads to the melting of these ice caps. This has been putting polar bears at risk of food and habitat loss.
The less body fat polar bears have, the less likely for survival through harsh times. Their body fat is vital for insulation against extreme temperatures in their environments.
The study which occurred from 1992-2019 showed that the polar bears had a decline in their body condition index between 1995 and 2000, but started increasing eventually although sea ice levels were decreasing.
Loss of sea ice has been thought to be linked with loss of body condition index in mammals, which went against the report’s findings.
There are a few possible reasonings for this.
One important reason may be that the Svalbard bears have a diet consisting of more land animals than they did before.
Another may be that as sea levels are falling, polar bears are preying on seals a lot easier than ever. Loss of sea ice is gathering ringed seals closer rather than spreading out individually.
Polar bears rely on ice for existence. Unfortunately, this means that the findings aren’t a positive outcome, and instead shows their strong adaptability for difficult times.
If climate change continues, these adaptations will no longer ensure their survival.
Abstract: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-33227-9#citeas
