Global Efforts Intensify to Protect Vulnerable Polar Bears
February 27 marks International Polar Bear Day, an initiative by US nonprofit Polar Bears International to raise awareness about protecting the species. The date coincides with the vulnerable denning period for mother bears and cubs. There are approximately 26,000 polar bears worldwide, distributed across 19 populations in Greenland, Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, Alaska, Canada, and Russia, with 5,000-7,000 residing in Russian territories.
Classified as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List, the species faces threats from climate change reducing Arctic ice habitat, commercial activities, pollution, and hunting. Conservation efforts gained momentum with the landmark 1973 Oslo Agreement signed by five Arctic nations banning commercial hunting. In January 2026, these nations extended their circumpolar action plan through 2028, continuing coordinated efforts to monitor populations and protect the “sea bear” from habitat loss and other dangers.
