Celebrating International Polar Bear Day

International Polar Bear Day is a special event dedicated to the majestic polar bear, a much-loved symbol of the Arctic, and a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action. Find out more about this awareness day dedicated to polar bears and why they need our help below.

International Polar Bear Day

International Polar Bear Day was created by Polar Bears International to help raise awareness of the need to protect these Arctic-dwelling bears. This awareness day takes place every year on February 27th, and there's a reason why this time of year was chosen - it's the time when polar bear cubs are inside their dens with their mothers.

The Biggest Threat to Polar Bears

Polar bears are perfectly adapted to life in the Arctic with their thick fur and a thick layer of fat providing insulation against the cold, while their large paws allow them to navigate the icy terrain and swim vast distances. However, these adaptations can't protect them from the greatest threat they face today: climate change.

The melting of Arctic ice due to rising global temperatures poses a significant threat to the polar bear's way of life, decreasing their habitat and meaning less access to their primary food source of seals.

Polar bears are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Other Threats to Polar Bears

In addition to climate change, polar bears face various other threats, including:

• Being hunted by humans.
• Oil and gas exploration.
• Mining.
• Tourism.
• Pollution.
• Disease.

The Importance of International Polar Bear Day

International Polar Bear Day is more than just a day to celebrate these iconic animals; it's a day to reflect on our impact on the planet and to commit to making changes that will help secure a future for polar bears and other species threatened by climate change. 

Raising Awareness

One of the key goals of International Polar Bear Day is to educate the wider community about the challenges faced by polar bears.

Helping to Reduce Climate Change

As climate change is the biggest threat to polar bears, helping to reduce global warming is a key way we can all get involved in helping these incredible creatures.

From reducing energy consumption to lowering our carbon footprints, every action counts in the fight to save polar bears, and many other species, including American pikas and monarch butterflies, from the threat of extinction due to a warming planet. 

As we celebrate International Polar Bear Day, let's remember that the fight to save polar bears and their habitat is a fight to save our planet from the effects of climate change. Show your appreciation for these majestic creatures and begin a conversation with our Polar Bear and Ursus Maritimus apparel collections. Each order funds the planting of trees and donates to ecological nonprofits as part of our mission, so you can feel good about your purchase!