“Southeast Greenland Polar Bears” by Marius Mason

Marius writes: “I came across this hopeful article in Science that announced a discovery of a small population of polar bears in Greenland (only a few hundred individuals), who had managed to learn some very different hunting strategies and some new target prey that allowed them to survive – despite disappearing sea ice and climate change. Scientists call the ability to modify behaviors and learn new ones “plasticity.” So I was happy that this tiny population impressive and distinct group of bears had proved themselves of ‘smarter than the average bear.’

The article also stressed how important to the species survival a 50 year old international treaty – The International Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears – has been in protecting what little is left of habitat and populations. So there’s your small bit of hope for what’s wild and beautiful!”