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.orgDefenders of Wildlife is celebrating 75 years of protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.2 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit defenders.org/newsroom and follow us on Twitter @Defenders.
