In an effort to raise awareness of the challenges polar bears face in their environment, Polar Bears International, a nonprofit group dedicated to the worldwide conservation of polar bears, has designated 2008 as the Year of the Polar Bear. These huge members of the bear (Ursidae) family are top predators in the Arctic. Polar bears prowl the sea ice in search of seals and other prey. Yet, these powerful predators currently face their greatest challenge - global climate change. Increases in arctic air and ocean temperatures are resulting in a decrease in the amount and persistence of sea ice, which is vital polar bear habitat. In December's Land, Sea & Air, you and your class can discover more about these threatened arctic bears through the following activities and information.

Although climate change poses an increased threat to polar bears and other arctic wildlife, additional human activities impact these animals as well.

K-3 students can construct food webs and discover how humans can affect different ecosystems in the Web Connection activity.

How are polar bears adapted to survive in the harsh arctic environment? How do female polar bears raise their cubs? Discover the answers to these and other questions in the SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Polar Bear Infobook.

As sea ice habitat decreases, certain polar bear populations in the Arctic appear to be declining, and polar bears are increasingly shifting their distribution from sea ice to land. This leads to an escalation in encounters with humans. To gain an insight into how polar bears sense their world and how this can be used to help polar bears, scientists from the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI) are participating in a study on polar bear hearing. Learn more about this compelling study in the following interview with HSWRI Senior Research Scientist, Dr. Ann Bowles.

Also, visit this site to listen and learn more about a surprising (and frightening) vocalization produced by Charly, an adult male polar bear at SeaWorld San Diego's Wild Arctic.

After winter break, your student or scout group can visit SeaWorld or Busch Gardens on an overnight Sleepover and wake up next to some amazing animals. Learn more below: