A federal judge today upheld the Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision that the polar bear be listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, and continue to receive the protections afforded by the law. The following is a statement from Jason Rylander, senior attorney for Defenders of Wildlife:
“With significantly diminished sea-ice habitat and food supply, the life of a polar bear has never been more perilous. The challenge to survive only promises to worsen as climate change transforms the Arctic landscape at an accelerated rate. The court’s decision confirms that polar bears need protection in a warming world.”
Climate change is melting polar bear habitat at an alarming rate, but there are still things we can do to save this Arctic icon. By taking immediate steps protect polar bears, we can keep them from disappearing from U.S. shores. Read more about what we can do to protect this Arctic icon.
Contact(s):
Caitlin Leutwiler, (202) 772-3226; cleutwiler@defenders.orgFor nearly 80 years, Defenders of Wildlife has worked to protect and restore America’s wildlife at risk of extinction, advancing a vision of a future in which wildlife thrives, sustained by broad public support and a resilient network of healthy lands and waters. With a network of more than 2 million supporters, Defenders is an advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on Instagram @defendersofwildlife.
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