Polar bear hunting: Up to 1’000 kills per year threaten the species

It is not only the melting of pack ice that is taking a severe toll on polar bears. In light of new data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Pro Wildlife warns that in addition to the climate crisis, the hunting of 800 to 1’000 polar bears per year is threatening the species.

Trophy hunting despite decimated populations

In some areas of Canada, hunting quotas have even been increased despite decimated populations. German hunting tour operators also offer trophy hunters kills for around 40’000 euros. Since 1989, German hobby hunters have imported a total of 98 hunting trophies and 558 whole polar bear pelts. “The hunting of polar bears for trade and trophies must finally be stopped in light of decimated populations and bleak forecasts,”The hunting of polar bears for trade and trophies must finally be stopped in light of decimated populations and bleak forecasts” demands Daniela Freyer of Pro Wildlife.

According to an IUCN estimate, approximately 26’000 polar bears remain, divided into 19 different regions. Scientists believe that habitat loss due to global warming alone will reduce the polar bear population by more than 30 percent by 2050. Studies show that polar bears in the southern part of their range are already in poor physical condition, that reproduction rates are reduced and juvenile mortality is high. According to the IUCN, bear numbers are declining in four regions. In the Western Hudson Bay, the population was even reduced by 18 percent between 2011 and 2016. Despite this, hunting continues there as well. The hunting quota has even been multiplied in recent years. Even tiny populations of only 200 animals, and those whose population trend is unknown, continue to be hunted.

Canada as a hub of the polar bear trade

Canada is the only country to permit hunting for the commercial trade in furs and the shooting of animals by foreign trophy hunters. From 1970 to 2016, an estimated 26,500 polar bears were killed in Canada by indigenous hunters and big game hunters. In the past ten years alone, nearly 3,000 furs, hunting trophies, skulls, whole bodies, and bearskin rugs made from polar bears have been traded worldwide. Europe is a significant market for furs, and a large proportion of trophy hunters also come from the European Union. In recent years, the trade in and import of trophies has also been booming in China.

«Wealthy hobby hunters pursue the white giants in a cruel chase using snowmobiles, quad bikes, and boats. When one considers that polar bears are already acutely threatened by climate change, every animal shot represents an irresponsible and deadly toll.»

Daniela Freyer

Unnatural selection endangers the species

Also fatal for the survival of polar bears is the fact that trophy hunters and fur traders engage in unnatural selection, targeting the remaining largest and strongest animals on polar bear hunts. These very wild animals would have the best chances of survival in nature and are particularly important for the species’ ability to survive and adapt. «Alongside consistent climate protection, Pro Wildlife is calling for a ban on the trade in polar bears and a halt to the import of hunting trophies in order to save polar bears», said the Pro Wildlife spokesperson.

Attempts to ban the trade in polar bear products have already failed twice at conferences of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species due to resistance from Canada and the EU.