Recently, members of the Tundra Buggy staff spotted a female polar bear with three cubs – something that has not been seen in that area for quite some time! Due to the detrimental effects of climate change on the health of polar bears in that region, the spotting of three cubs is very unique! Because of this year’s milder spring and summer conditions in that area and the delayed melting of the ice, these bears appear healthier than those that have been spotted the past few years. More information about the recent sighting of these bears and the related newscasts can be found on the Frontiers North Adventures blog.

While this is great news, scientists are quick to point out that the threat to this species absolutely still exists. The effects of climate change continue to take a toll on polar bears and other animal species around the world. It is through the continued efforts of all of us that we can make a difference in climate change and in the habitat of animals globally. Keep up the great work!

Bears are wild animals. So, what was she thinking? No one really knows, but it is yet another reminder that wild animals are just that…wild. And, so they should be treated in that manner. A couple of months ago, a woman was mauled by a friend’s “pet” chimpanzee. This led to much controversy about whether chimps should be allowed to be pets.

While some people may try to blame the animals for the unfortunate attacks, we must remember that the animals are responding in ways that are natural to their species. No matter how “cuddly” and “cute” these animals may appear, they need to be treated with respect.

When we are on the tundra and leave the buggies to actually go down on the surface, we are constantly aware of the bears who live there. “Spotters” keep a lookout for bears that may be in the area, and we are always ready to retreat back up into the buggy if need be. The spotters can make noise to scare any wandering bears away from the area if we are on the tundra surface when they start walking our way. And, there are usually “gunners” who are also standing by if needed. No one wants to do anything to injure a bear. And, the bears are mostly curious and observing the humans on the tundra. However, if a bear were to become threatening, the gunners are prepared to do what is necessary to protect the humans.

The zookeepers at the Berlin zoo were also prepared to take drastic measures to protect the woman who dove into the water in the bear exhibit. But, they were doing everything they could to rescue the woman and also keep the bears safe. Luckily, the bears weren’t injured in this incident. The chimp referred to earlier wasn’t so lucky. He had to be shot.

As we are around any wild animals, we must be cautious and respectful–working to keep ourselves safe and also to maintain the animal’s safety as well. We must remember that these animals are wild, and they should be treated accordingly.

What are your thoughts about these two recent events that have made international headlines? While we ALL send both of the women involved in these tragic accidents our best wishes for their recovery, what could or should be done to protect both individuals and the animals…animals who are victims themselves in these situations?

“Rolling on the Tundra, A Polar Bear Adventure” is a related exhibit on the Apple Learning Interchange that has interdisciplinary curriculum and resources for the study of polar bears, global warming, etc.

The Jane Goodall Institute and its education outreach for youth, “Roots & Shoots,” is also involved with this trip and will be hosting some of my videoconferences and curricular content. Dana Lyons, musician, is composing original music to raise awareness about polar bears, and he will be conducting a webcast from the tundra in mid-November.

Polar bears are a threatened species. Their habitat is changing quickly, and we must all work together to educate our youth, raise awareness, and promote actions that will help save the polar bears and their environment. What is happening to polar bears is symptomatic of problems being experienced in other parts of the world related to climate change. Animals are being affected in many ways globally, and we can educate youth and encourage them to become active in being good stewards of our planet, its resources, and all of its inhabitants.

Join us in the live events that will be taking place the first week of November. And watch for other ways in which you can be involved in the activities we are conducting. We will also be announcing ways that you and your students can create content that can help make a difference for the polar bears of Canada! And, we will be sharing curriculum and ideas for global ecology that will benefit our planet and all of its inhabitants.

You can find updated information and join the webinar by visiting the “Rolling on the Tundra” exhibit on the Apple Learning Interchange.

Julene Reed, Director of Academic Technology
Apple Distinguished Educator Advisory Board
Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots Advisory Council
St. George’s Independent School
Collierville, TN USA