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geoffreysyork140 karma

All biologists, regardless of species, care deeply about the places and species they study. Part of this care is manifest in the classic dictum for human medicine- do no harm. Biologists have been capturing and tracking wildlife across species and around the world for over 30 years. Looking at polar bears specifically- three published studies have looked at all available data and found no significant impacts from capture or collaring. Can protocol and equipment be improved- absolutely. Biologists are constantly trying to find less invasive methods, and improve invasive techniques. Animal care and use committees also oversee most research that involves live animals to insure no harm is done.

geoffreysyork108 karma

Polar bears only overlap in range with Barren Ground Grizzly bears, the smallest of the brown bear family. In general, polar bears are quite risk averse and avoid interaction with brown bears. There is one place in the Arctic- Victoria Island- where brown and polar bears have bred to create hybrids.

geoffreysyork105 karma

Fermented kelp. In places like Hudson Bay Canada, storms thrown large piles of kelp onto some beaches where it slowly composts over time. Polar bears will dig down into these piles of "kelp sauerkraut" and eat the seemingly preferred bits at the bottom.

geoffreysyork104 karma

Adult polar bear males can weigh in excess of 1500 pounds, females typically max out at 700 when pregnant.

geoffreysyork83 karma

There are many things we can all do for conservation- at the individual level up to the global. Your daughter can work with you to reduce energy use in your home- from better efficiency, weatherization, to buying power from sustainable and clean sources where possible. You can also work with her to contact local, regional, and national leaders and urge them to show leadership and take meaningful actions to address global warming- like pricing carbon. Lastly, she can save some of her pennies and together with you, choses a conservation organization to join.