Wildlife
Extinctions have always occurred with natural changes in climate. However, as anthropogenic climate change exacerbates these natural cycles, extinction threatens some of Alaska's most beloved species.
Extinctions have always occurred with natural changes in climate. However, as anthropogenic climate change exacerbates these natural cycles, extinction threatens some of Alaska's most beloved species.
Polar bears
- Habitat loss and drowning from melted sea ice.
- Could become the first mammal to lose 100% of habitat to climate change (Center for Biological
- Loss of food availability, including ice seals and other prey, driving polar bears to starvation and cannibalism.
Walrus
- Melting sea ice in places such as the Chukchi Sea leads to habitat loss.
- Decreased food availability as shoreline pack ice retreats (BBC).
- Shrinking habitat leads to crowding and stampedes, resulting in further deaths.
Caribou
- Loss of food availability, including moss, lichens, and shrubs (Greenpeace).
- Disrupted food webs and increased vulnerability to wolves.
- Populations of Arctic Peary caribou declined by 95% between 1961 and 1997.
