Polar Bears on the Endangered Species List

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (Reuters) - The U.S. government violated the Endangered Species Act by failing to curb use of pesticides that have been accumulating in the Arctic food chain and in the fat of polar bears, a species listed as threatened, environmentalists charged in a lawsuit on Thursday. While the biggest threat to polar bears comes from the rapidly warming Arctic climate and the disappearance of sea ice, the pesticide onslaught creates more woes for an already stressed population, said Rebecca Noblin, a Center for Biological Diversity staff attorney in Anchorage. "The health impacts of pesticides tend to make polar bears more susceptible to disease, ... Read Full Story

Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell says he has the best interest of polar bears at heart, but he doesn't intend to let the federal government's expanded protection for bears get in the way of the state's continued prosperity. Like his predecessor, Sarah Palin, the governor is suing the federal government to overturn the listing of the iconic symbol of the Arctic as a threatened species, a move made last year that he believes could threaten Alaska's lifeblood: petroleum development. "Currently some are attempting to improperly use the Endangered Species Act to shut down resource development," Parnell says. "I'm not going to let this happen on ... Read Full Story

Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell says he has the best interest of polar bears at heart, but he doesn't intend to let the federal government's expanded protection for bears get in the way of the state's continued prosperity. Like his predecessor, Sarah Palin, the governor is suing the federal government to overturn the listing of the iconic symbol of the Arctic as a threatened species, a move made last year that he believes could threaten Alaska's lifeblood: petroleum development. "Currently some are attempting to improperly use the Endangered Species Act to shut down resource development," Parnell says. "I'm not going to let this happen on ... Read Full Story

As we enter the holiday season, our thoughts turn to family, friends and loved ones who share our lives. We hope that you will also think of the amazing wildlife, birds, fish and plants that share our planet. Polar bears are an iconic symbol of the holiday season. They are stars of commericals and on the cover of greeting cards. Unfortunately, that is the only place they are thriving. Polar bears are endangered because their sea ice habitat is literally melting from under their feet. Take the Polar Bear Pledge and contribute to our efforts to save polar bears and other endangered species. Scientists ... Read Full Story

As we enter the holiday season, our thoughts turn to family, friends and loved ones who share our lives. We hope that you will also think of the amazing wildlife, birds, fish and plants that share our planet. Polar bears are an iconic symbol of the holiday season. They are stars of commericals and on the cover of greeting cards. Unfortunately, that is the only place they are thriving. Polar bears are endangered because their sea ice habitat is literally melting from under their feet. Take the Polar Bear Pledge and contribute to our efforts to save polar bears and other endangered species. Scientists ... Read Full Story