Photography

Flickr photo essay – polar bears, by Len Haier Apr 17 2008

Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are the largest carnivores on earth, and can weigh between 300 and 600kg (660-1320lb). They are found in Arctic areas only, including Denmark, Russia, Norway and Canada.

They are largely dependent on the sea ice environment of the Arctic, and are considered by environmental groups to be extremely vulnerable and a threatened species.

According to the World Conservation Union, polar bears that have unbroken access to sea ice are able to hunt all through the year. In areas where the sea ice melts wholly each summer, polar bears are forced to spend several months on land, fasting and drawing on their fat reserves.

This series of pictures was taken by our Earth-Touch Flickr group member Len Haier (AKA undecided-one), in the Hudson Bay area, Canada.

This photo essay takes the place of our Earth-Touch Flickr group “picture of the day”.

Len said: “I have been travelling to parts of northern Canada for years. The first time I saw Hudson Bay was 1959. To photograph this magnificent animal, I use Pentax cameras, both film and digital, with interchangeable lenses, mainly a 250-600mm zoom, at a very safe distance.”

Image © undecided-one / Len Haier 2008