Good news atop a sad note: US to seek tougher protections for polar bear

The United States Interior Department filed an official proposal asking other countries to support a ban on the commercial trade of polar bears, and more strictly enforce any legal polar bear hunting. The proposal will need a lot of push to become fully accepted, as polar bear protection is often controversial due to their spot as the first species to become endangered for the reason of global warming.

The trade market for polar bear parts and furs has reportedly increased since the 1990's. These stats, paired with an animal at risk of extinction gives significant reason to put forward a ban.


If voted in, the proposal would also update protections put into effect in the 70's by CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) which required permits to export any polar bear or its parts. Rodger Schlickeisen, president of Defenders of Wildlife said "While we cannot stop the impacts of global warming on polar bears immediately, one thing we can do is quickly address other threats which are heightening the bear's problems, such as the commercial trade. By increasing protections for polar bears under CITES, we can start to give the polar bear some more protections while we take the necessary steps to address global warming," The proposal will be voted on by a total of 175 Nations this upcoming March, which offers a considerable period of time to build steam on either side.

Read more about this proposal at HSUS.org and Defenders.org and I will be sure to update on how you can help.