How polar bears, unknowingly, act as generous food distributors of the Arctic

Polar bears are super selective about what they eat in their prey and leave behind the rest

“Foxes follow polar bear tracks waiting for food, while gulls fight for scraps in the air,” explains Dr Nicholas Pilfold from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, who led the research. These leftovers, according to the scientists, provide important nutrition for many species. Plifold pointed out that the study reveals how closely connected Arctic animals are, relying on one another to survive. Given that the study used a large, comprehensive dataset of polar bear behaviour data spanning the 1930s, it is especially significant.

However, as climate change warms the Arctic, this food chain is at major risk. Polar bear populations are declining rapidly, creating a domino effect of less leftover food for scavengers. In some regions, a significant loss of over 300,000 kilograms of this carrion has been noted. Melting ice makes it further harder for scavengers to reach the leftovers. According to Jon Aars, a polar bear expert, it’s hard to know exactly how these changes will affect the Arctic, but they will affect many species. The survival of many animals is linked to the future of polar bears. Plifold’s study found that polar bears do more than hunt—they also support many other Arctic animals by leaving food behind. Protecting polar bears means protecting the whole Arctic ecosystem from the effects of climate change.