Kings of the Arctic: Polar Bears in Alaska

Submitted by Amy Hartley
Phone: (907) 474-5823
02/11/05

Polar bears have adapted to living in a dynamic sea ice habitat, but a variety of new threats jeopardize the future of these bears. Industrialization of their habitat, over-harvesting, and climate change are impacting polar bear numbers and threatening their success as the Arctic’s top carnivore.

Scott Schliebe, project leader for the Marine Mammal Management Office for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will discuss the adaptations polar bears have made over time to become specially attuned to their environment in his lecture, "Kings of the Arctic: Polar Bears in Alaska."

The hour-long lecture is free and will begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15, in the Westmark Gold Room. Show up 20 minutes early for a family-friendly demonstration where you can handle a polar bear skin and skull, and learn fun facts about polar bears in Alaska. All ages are welcome!

The 2005 Science for Alaska Lecture Series is coordinated by the Geophysical Institute and sponsored by the University of Alaska Foundation.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Information on all lectures and presenters in the 2005 Science for Alaska Lecture Series is available at http://www.scienceforalaska.com.

CONTACT:
Scott Schliebe, Project Leader for the Marine Mammal Management Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?"Alaska: (907) 786-3812
Amy Hartley, Geophysical Institute Information Officer: (907) 474-5823