Climate change and El Niño conditions have a unique consequence for northern communities: polar bears — the largest land predator on the planet — are encountering people more often as they follow their noses to find food.
When sea ice melts, polar bears must move onto land for several months without access to food. This fasting period is challenging for all bears, but particularly for polar bear mothers who are nursing cubs.
The Norwegian archipelago is warming six times faster than the global average, with potentially disastrous results, especially for species such as the polar bear.
Rising population has led to increased human encroachment on natural habitats, but climate change is also pushing some animals closer to population centers, experts say.
Scientists say climate change is forcing the Arctic carnivore to spend more time inland than in the past — raising the possibility of run-ins that could be dangerous both for humans and bears.
A polar bear has attacked and killed two people in a remote village in western Alaska, according to state troopers. Alaska State Troopers said they received the report of the attack at 2:30 p.m.
