Actually the Population is Declining

http://www.rushlimbaugh.com/home/daily/site_030210/content/01125106.guest.html

“There's a polar bear explosion in terms of population out there.”

I’m not sure where Rush is getting his information but it’s certainly incorrect. While, there is testimony from the Inuit that an increase in the population is taking place it is not backed up by evidence.

“In Nunavut, some Inuit have reported increases in bear sightings around human settlements in recent years, leading to a belief that populations are increasing. Scientists have responded by noting that hungry bears may be congregating around human settlements, leading to the illusion that populations are higher than they actually are” (Campbell, Colin; Lunau, Kate (25 January 2008). "The war over the polar bear: Who's telling the truth about the fate of a Canadian icon?". Maclean's. http://www.macleans.ca/science/environment/article.jsp?content=20080123_5242_5242&page=1. Retrieved 9 March 2008.).

There’s a possibility that Rush is thinking about increases in bear sightings as being a sign of a population explosion. As noted though, an increase in sightings does not equal an increase in population. Furthermore, recent evidence indicates that the population is actually on the decline. “As of 2008, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) reports that the global population of polar bears is 20,000 to 25,000, and is declining” (Schliebe et al. (2008). Ursus maritimus. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Retrieved on 5 January 2010.).

I’m not going to discuss reasons as to why the population is on the decline. The focus here is on debunking the statement that there is a population explosion among the polar bears. However, it is fair to note that, “Warnings about the future of the polar bear are often contrasted with the fact that worldwide population estimates have increased over the past 50 years and are relatively stable today” ("Marine Mammals Management: Polar Bear". U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaska. http://alaska.fws.gov/fisheries/mmm/polarbear/pbmain.htm. Retrieved 9 June 2008.).

The decline in the population may not necessarily be a cause for alarm thought it still deserves attention.

In conclusion, the polar bear population is not facing an explosion. Recent reports suggest a decline in the population are taking place though due to debate over the actual population estimates it’s difficult to determine if the decline is a cause for concern.