Conflict between humans, polar bears on the rise: report
New research shows rising cases of polar bear and human conflict taking place in Churchill, Canada, and the Arctic.
The report, called “Anthropogenic food: An emerging threat to polar bear conservation” and published in the journal ‘Oryx,’ says the increase in conflict is a direct result of climate change and increasing human populations in polar bear habitats.
According to Dr. Martyn Obbard with the Ontario Natural Resources and Forestry Ministry, this is an issue that has been recognized for a long time. However, he noted in the last five to 10 years, there have been more media reports about these kinds of conflicts.
“We realized it was probably time to write an article where we pointed out that this is not simply a phenomenon in Churchill or places in Ontario, for example, but it occurs across the whole range of polar bears,” he said in an interview with CTV Morning Live on Tuesday.
Obbard explained the reason for the increase in conflict has to do with polar bears accessing uncontained garbage dumps. He said that with ice melting earlier in the summer and forming later in the fall, many polar bears are spending more time on land, which increases the chances of them coming into conflict with humans.
“The dump has a tremendous source of smells of human garbage so that attracts bears, that brings them close to town,” Obbard said.
He noted there have been cases of polar bears getting into the dumps and dying, adding that some of these bears have been found to have stomachs filled with plastic bags.
“So a pretty painful way for an animal to die,” he said.
“That’s one issue, and the other is they can ingest toxic materials, such as batteries.”
Obbard said there are ways to ensure polar bears can’t access uncontained dumps, including electrifying them. However, many of the solutions are expensive.
“Our paper was intended to raise awareness to governments…all of these governments really need to come to the table and start tackling this problem.”
- With files from CTV’s Rachel Lagace.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How much do you need to earn to buy a home? Income requirements continue to ease
The average salary needed to buy a home keeps inching down in cities across Canada, according to the latest data.
Boissonnault out of cabinet to 'focus on clearing the allegations,' Trudeau announces
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced embattled minister Randy Boissonnault is out of cabinet.
Families of Paul Bernardo's victims not allowed to attend parole hearing in person, lawyer says
The families of the victims of Paul Bernardo have been barred from attending the serial killer’s upcoming parole hearing in person, according to the lawyer representing the loved ones of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy.
'They squandered 10 years of opportunity': Canada Post strike exposes longtime problems, expert says
Canada Post is at ‘death's door’ and won't survive if it doesn't dramatically transform its business, a professor who has studied the Crown corporation is warning as the postal workers' national strike drags on.
'Bomb cyclone' batters B.C. coast with hurricane-force winds, downing trees onto roads and vehicles
Massive trees toppled onto roads, power lines and parked cars as hurricane-force winds battered the B.C. coast overnight during an intense “bomb cyclone” weather event.
Sask. woman who refused to provide breath sample did not break the law, court finds
A Saskatchewan woman who refused to provide a breath sample after being stopped by police in Regina did not break the law – as the officer's request was deemed not lawful given the circumstances.
Ford says there is 'clear consensus' among premiers for separate trade deal with Mexico
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says there is 'clear consensus' among premiers for separate bilateral trade deals with the U.S. and Mexico, following a phone call with all the leaders on Wednesday.
EV battery manufacturer Northvolt faces major roadblocks
Swedish electric vehicle battery manufacturer Northvolt is fighting for its survival as Canadian taxpayer money and pension fund investments hang in the balance.