"Threats on Nature"

As Ice Melts, Polar Bears Face New Rivals--------Grizzlies


POLAR BEARS FACE A NEW THREAT BESIDES MELTING ICE---“MALE GRIZZLY BEARS” ARE MOVING INTO THEIR TERRITORIES, COMPETING FOR FOOD AND ARE EVEN MATING WITH THEIR FEMALES.

Scientists have already discovered one case of a hybrid “Grolar” bears and are circulating request to hunters and solar tour operators to look out for more.
One possible explanation for closer interaction between the species is climate change, which has allowed grizzlies to move north into areas that were once too cold for them.”The two species are likely to interact in a variety of ways, including Competing for food and places to build dens, as well as possible mating,” said Robert Rockwell, of the American Museum of Natural History in New York.
Grizzly bears have traditionally been found in Alaska, western Canada and northwestern American states, including Idaho and Montana. They are thought to Number about 60,000.
However, Rockwell will soon publish research showing how grizzlies are moving into Wapusk National Park on the edge of Hudson Bay in eastern Canada, an area previously dominated by polar bears.
Grizzlies have also been found hundreds miles further north on the remote Canadian arctic island. Rockwell said, ”When female polar bears have their cubs the young will e in great danger of being eaten by the grizzlies. On the other hand, male polar bears can weigh up to 1’200Ib---twice the size of a female grizzly. They could mate with the female or eat her or both. Things could get very different for both species.”