- Rising global temperatures are causing arctic sea ice to melt at an alarming rate.
Overhunting:
- In the past, polar bears were heavily hunted for their fur and meat.
Pollution:
- Toxic chemicals enter the polar bear's ecosystem from various sources like industrial activities and pollution. These pollutants can accumulate in the bear's body tissues and affect their health.
Unsustainable hunting and illegal trade:
- In some regions, polar bears are still hunted unsustainably or killed for illegal trade, contributing to their declining population.