February 27th is observed annually around the world as International Polar Bear Day. This holiday celebrates the beauty of these massive bears and raises awareness about the challenges they face now and into the near future.

Currently, polar bear numbers are quickly declining due to a number of factors, including climate change, mineral and energy resource explorations, pollution, tourism, disease, parasites, and a depletion of their natural food supplies.

All of these problems are due to human activity, and only we have the power to stop them and help protect polar bears for future generations. Hopefully, this holiday will prove to be the catalyst for many people to join the cause of preserving polar bears and their habitat.

The History of International Polar Bear Day

Scientists estimate that polar bears first appeared around 130,000 years ago and stood atop a thriving Arctic ecosystem. Polar bears were important to indigenous cultures, who hunted them for their meat and fur for thousands of years.

However, this activity didn’t have a negative effect on the population levels of polar bears, as indigenous peoples in the Arctic learned to live in harmony with their environment. The number of polar bears didn’t start falling until the 1950s with the increasing use of fossil fuels.

Over the years, this would cause the warming of the oceans and the melting of sea ice, leading to a large amount of destruction to the polar bear’s environment. In 1994, the non-profit Polar Bears International (PBI) was formed to establish programs to help save polar bears.

In 2011, PBI created International Polar Bear Day as a reminder to people that polar bears are still in big trouble and that people need to do their part to help.

Observing International Polar Bear Day

Everyone is encouraged to support organizations that protect polar bears. We think that’s the most mission-critical aspect of International Polar Bear Day.

Sure, people can take the time to read books or watch documentaries on polar bears, buy polar bear stuffed animals, and throw polar bear-themed parties, but their main concern should be to save the lives of polar bears.

There are many great organizations that support polar bears, and we encourage everyone to check those out. We also encourage everyone to spread the word about this holiday by using the hashtag #InternationalPolarBearDay on social media. If everyone is willing to work together, not only on this day but every day of the year, to protect polar bears, then they will be around for future generations to enjoy.