Polar Bears
Ursus maritimus Formally Known as Thalarctos martimus
Alaska is known for the varied and dense populations of bears in their natural habitats. And if you head far North, you may be able to see one of the closest relatives to the well known large brown bear species, the Polar Bear. The polar bear is often recognized for it’s gigantic size, white fur coat, being able to adapt to hostile environments, and being a top trophic level carnivore.
This species is found only in the Northern Hemisphere and near arctic sea ice. So, their rarity within these unknown environments, can be intriguing for those who enjoy observing and learning about their nuances and behaviors. Plus, they also live in an environment few get to visit, due to the remote and unspecified details of the region.
History of Arctic Bears
Since people have lived in the arctic regions, they have had relations with polar bears. And, thankfully with a combination of scientific records and the oral traditions of storytelling from the first peoples, we have a more whole history and story to explore. As early as the year 650, there are documentations of polar bears noted in Japanese manuscripts.
After that, in the 17th century, when Russians settled the coasts of the Northern Slope, we find more in depth accounts of these Arctic sea bears. By the 18th century, peoples from different cultures were able to understand the geological records and studies from native inhabitants. Although much of the ceremonies and rituals that indigenous people hold sacred are fragmented when it comes to written record.
Commander C.J. Phipps, author of “A Voyage Towards the North Pole”, in 1774, was the first person to use the Latin name Ursus maritimus. This Latin word translates to “sea bear” due to the bears relativity to the Arctic waters and reliance on sea ice. Later, Thalarctos was accepted as well, meaning “bear of the North”. Then, in 1971, scientist settled on the official name being Ursus maritimus.
The Balance of Bears and People
For thousands of years, people have been migrating to follow food sources and navigate changing environments. And thus, having dynamic relation with these bears. Before colonization in these arctic regions, aboriginal peoples have harvested for the sake of hides, meat, and fat.
These harvests were performed within ritual and ceremonial rites that began with a humble offering and asking for the food needed to sustain. And, if a hunt was successful, ending in the burying of the bones with the same honor they hold for their kin. We know much of these stories from interpretations of petroglyphs found in Eastern Siberia. And, from the research of the Ob’ river Ugrs – Khants and
Mansi tribes.
Connection Through Story
There seems to be a pattern in various mythologies across different cultures in connection to this animal. A handful of reasons they have been held with such respect; strength, fearlessness, endurance, acute sense of smell, ferociousness, and their similarities to man. Many of these attributes shined a light on stories that would describe bears as a god. Others described them as cultural heroes, founder of traditions, ancestor, totem, guardian spirit, healer spirit, master of the animal world, sacred or sacrificial animal (dying and then reborn).
They could also be interpreted as the incarnation of a soul, animal double of a man, judge, giver, helper and teacher, helper of shaman, his animal incarnation and soul, werewolf, and the list continues. Many of these descriptions and stories are told to help people journey through the trail and tribulations of challenge and change.
Each element and physical manifestation of this animal represented certain vitality and strengths to the people. Some cultures would even take the time and consideration to carefully move any animal tracks in the ice before they crossed a pathway. They would then place the ice tracks back into place after moving beyond them. These are symbols of protection and a blessing.
Polar Bear Habitat
Polar bears live exclusively in arctic regions that have sea ice. In Alaska, these bears can be found along the Bering Sea and into the Far North. They are most abundant near southern ledges of sea ice and migrate as ice formations change and shift. During the winter months you can find Polar bears as far south as St. Matthew Island in the Bering Sea.
Other arctic regions polar bears can be found in; Canada, Siberia, Russia, Greenland, and Norway. After various studies, scientists have been able to conclude there are currently 19 separate polar bear populations. The main food source for this species of bear is the ringed seal. Since this is the primary sustenance for these large mammals, they depend on the sea ice for hunting.
Polar bears will wait by breathing holes and cracks in the ice to stealthy hunt their food source. These large carnivores will sometimes eat whales, walruses, beached carcasses, and occasionally eat small mammals, bird eggs, and vegetation if other food sources are low. So, they do have some omnivore tendencies.
New Life
In the spring, these bears stay close to the pack ice to make for easier hunting. Then, in the summer they will continue to follow the receding ice with the summer melt and will occasionally come to land. As the fall approaches, polar bears move closer to the pack ice again, so that by winter, females are ready to den and have their babies.
Typically females have one to two cubs, and rarely will have three. Cubs are more regularly born in December and emerge in March or early April. Their young weigh about 15 pounds at this time and make regular short trips from the den to acclimate to the outdoor environment. The mother then teaches their young how to navigate the drifting sea ice. Most young will stay with their mother for about 28 months (Approx. 2 years).
Harvesting and Sustainability
Due to overharvesting in the 1950’s and 1960’s, by the 1970’s a protection act was put into place for these bears. The Federal Marine Mammal Act of 1972 transferred management authority to the federal government. This act and placed restrictions on anyone hunting this animal, except for native Eskimo populations.
This act removed the availability of trophy hunting and allowed more developed discussion space between state and federal agencies. While this alleviated an important threat, polar bears have since been faced with a variety of new obstacles to healthy populations. Some of the current threats; Loss of sea ice, environmental impacts, conflict with people, inadequate protection for smaller populations of bears.
Polar bears are now considered vulnerable when it comes to being classified on the endangered species list. Since the loss of habitat, a majority of fertile births that happen and sustain life currently happen in zoos. It is to be noted that there are populations that cannot be observed or accounted for due to unknown regions and being able to track these groups.
References
- Lindstrand, Doug. Doug Lindstrand’s Alaskan Sketchbook : An Artist/Photographer’s Guide to the People & Wildlife of America’s Last Frontier. Portland, Or, Graphic Arts Center, 1981.
- https://polarbearsinternational.org/polar-bears-changing-arctic/polar-bear-facts/name-evolution/
- KOCHNEVA, SVETLANA. “POLAR BEAR in MATERIAL and SPIRITUAL CULTURE of the NATIVE PEOPLES of CHUKOTKA.” Pacific Fisheries Research Center (Pacific NIRO) (Chukotka Branch), 2007, pp. 12–19. V.G. Tan-Bogoraz Chukotka Regional Universal Public Library, nannut.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Polar-Bear-in-Material-and-Spiritual-Culture-of-the-Native-Peoples-of-Chukotka-2007.pdf. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024.
