Polar bears at greatest risk of extinction than ever due to climate change prolonging Arctic summers, study claims

Polar bears are at greater risk of extinction than ever before as they are unlikely to adapt to longer Arctic summers, warns new research. During three summer weeks, 20 polar bears closely observed by scientists tried different ways to maintain energy reserves - including resting, scavenging and foraging. During three summer weeks, 20 polar bears closely observed by scientists tried different ways to maintain energy reserves - including resting, scavenging and foraging Some experts have speculated that polar bears might adapt to the longer ice-free seasons due to climate warming by acting like their grizzly bear relatives and either rest or eat terrestrial food. Study co-author Dr Charles Robbins, director of the Washington State University Bear Centre, said: 'Neither strategy will allow polar bears to exist on land beyond a certain amount of time. The study focused on the southern-most extent of polar bear range in the western Hudson Bay, where climate warming is likely impacting the bears at a faster rate than other Arctic regions.