Polar Bear Distribution and Habitat Association Reflect Long-term Changes in Fall Sea Ice Conditions in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea

• Published in: ARCTIC
• Main Authors: Gleason, Jeffrey S., Rode, Karyn D.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: The Arctic Institute of North America 2009
• Subjects: aerial survey; Alaska; Arctic; climate change; distribution; habitat association; polar bear; sea ice; evé aérien; Arctique; changement climatique; répartition; association à un habitat; ours polaire; glace de mer; Barrier Islands; Arctique*; Balaena mysticetus; Barrow; Beaufort Sea; bowhead whale; Climate change; Sea ice; Ursus maritimus
• Online Access: https://journalhosting.ucalgary.ca/index.php/arctic/article/view/63235

The polar bear (Ursus maritimus) is considered an indicator species of ecosystem health because of its longevity, life-history requirements, reliance on sea ice (i.e., sea ice obligate), and position in the Arctic food web. Polar bear distribution and habitat association should both be reliable sign...