February 27 is International Polar Bear Day, an observance created to bring attention to the important role these alpha predators play in the Arctic ecosystem. Though polar bears aren"t endangered—their current conservation status is "vulnerable"—these magnificent beasts have become a sort of mascot for the race to slow the melting of Arctic sea ice. The Arctic ice is crucial to the bears" survival, as they hunt the ringed seals that bob up through holes in the ice. As Arctic ice decreases, the polar bears" hunting ground does too.
Three cheers for polar bears!
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Birds of a feather
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Finding a balance between wetlands and water treatment
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Celebrating Mexico in a Cultural Capital
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The most wonderful day of the year. Period.
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Commemorating the life of a famous railroad conductor
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Mercury in retrograde
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Freshwater plants in Aquário Natural, Brazil
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Daylight saving time
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Preservation Hall in New Orleans, Louisiana
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Tracking ships on the Day of the Seafarer
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Portland celebrates its bounty
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Happy Boxing Day!
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International Nurses Day
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Happy Presidents Day
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I see one!
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The story of the poinsettia
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Coming home to roost
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Sunbeams across Tartu County, Estonia
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Signs of life in the Empty Quarter
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Arrr! Can you talk like a pirate?
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It s Australia Day
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Piazza IX Aprile, Taormina, Sicily, Italy
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A ‘circus of chaos’ for Stravinsky
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Go Fly a Kite Day
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Autumn in the Prosecco Hills
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Everybody loves World Turtle Day
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It’s Canada’s national day
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Bird’s-eye view of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
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Wedded Rocks, Japan
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Happy Fathers Day!