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Friends or Froze?<\/h1>\n
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By Jenny McGlone<\/p>\n
Chapel Hill, NC, United States<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Midway between the North Pole and Norway<\/strong>, on the islands of Svalbard, a tale of coexistence unfolds between polar bears and the people who call this frosty wonderland home. Drawn by the opportunity to immerse themselves in a remote Arctic experience, Svalbard\u2019s 2,550 human residents are undeterred by its extreme climate and icy wilderness.<\/p>\n Within the frozen landscape, polar bears reign as the largest land predators on Earth. An adult male polar bear can weigh as much as 1,300 pounds (600 kilograms) and stand on its hind legs up to 10 feet (3 meters) tall.<\/p>\n Bear in Mind<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Scientists estimate that around 300 polar bears roam Svalbard\u2019s vast 23,570 square miles (61,450 square kilometers). With roughly 60 percent of the archipelago covered in glaciers, it offers a refuge for these creatures, providing vital hunting grounds and a sanctuary for their survival.<\/p>\n Polar bears are naturally curious, and they have adapted to a barren environment by investigating anything that might be a food source. Encounters with humans may occur when polar bears venture near settlements or research stations in search of a meal, driven by their remarkable sense of smell and instinct to survive.<\/p>\n Polar Opposites<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Local regulations carefully manage the relationship between humans and polar bears in Svalbard to ensure safety on both sides. By law, people venturing outside town limits carry firearms and flare guns to deter potential run-ins. They discharge rifles to create noise. This precautionary measure reduces the likelihood of conflict. Shooting a polar bear is legal only in cases of imminent danger.<\/p>\n A polar bear\u2019s diet includes birds, fish, and whales, but they prefer seals. Sea ice provides them with excellent platforms to seek their favorite prey. With climate change, however, polar bears spend more time on shore, where they are more likely to cross paths with a human. A 2017 report found that 61 percent of attacks occur when a polar bear is malnourished.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In addition to carrying deterrents, Svalbard residents use a variety of other strategies to stay safe. When camping, for example, they set up trip wires and take turns keeping watch during the night. At home, they leave their doors unlocked in case they have to make a quick getaway. Drivers often park their snowmobiles with keys in the ignition so they can retreat swiftly.<\/p>\n As habitat loss throws people and polar bears together, researchers will be studying how to mitigate danger to both populations. Respectful stewardship can foster a shared future that benefits humans and protects the remarkable creatures on our planet.<\/p>\n Have a suggestion for this story? We\u2019d love for you to\u00a0submit it<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Svalbard-Norway-GMS-polar-bear.png” alt=”stilt fisherman in Sri Lanka” title_text=”Svalbard Norway GMS polar bear” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Svalbard-Norway-GMS-sign.png” alt=”Goats climbing argan trees in Morocco” title_text=”Svalbard Norway GMS sign” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Blank” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_css_main_element=”display: none; ” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Blank<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Slideshow” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Are you a teacher who’s interested in telling this story to your students? Here are slideshows you can use to get started.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Math Resources” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Social Justice Question” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.21.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n How can we strike a balance between the economic benefits of tourism in Svalbard, which brings in much-needed revenue, and the potential negative impact it may have on the fragile Arctic environment? Can you think of any practices that can be implemented to ensure responsible tourism? What can the Norwegian government do to preserve the unique ecosystems and wildlife that make Svalbard a remarkable destination?<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Explore Further” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Share Your Story” open_toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_text_color=”#0a1766″ toggle_font_size=”18px” open=”off”]<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/mathkind.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Svalbard-Norway-GMS-bear-on-ice.png\")
Arctic Tactics<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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