Assessing changes in the diet of polar bears (Ursus maritimus). Final report.

Abstract

This study was designed to provide insight into the possibility that polar bears from the Bering Straits region of Alaska might be affected by changes in climate, in terms of availability of preferred prey. The method of study was assessing the fatty acid components of fat/blubber samples of polar bears and three prey species, ringed seals, bearded seals, and Pacific walrus, collected from the same general geographic area over time. The results of the project are described.