The book

Detailed information about polar bear hunting, population changes, and the skin trade has been difficult or impossible to find. The main purpose of Polar Bears & Humans book is to do something about this lack of available information, by publishing detailed hunting statistics, information from scientific studies, regulations and hunting quotas on polar bears, and other information that is important for the management and conservation of polar bears today and in the future. One of the most important questions to ask is: has polar bear hunting in the previous decades been sustainable? This question and others are important to answer, and with the new book, it will be possible to do so. If you are interested in polar bear management and conservation this might be the book for you.

Given the real impacts global warming has already imposed on polar bear habitat, most people believe polar bears are protected. If they know polar bear hunting occurs, they believe it is minimal, well-managed, and careful, a traditional practice followed by only a small number of people indigenous to the Arctic. We tend to believe such hunting is ‘sustainable’ and for ‘subsistence’ purposes, and not a real threat to polar bears. But what does the evidence say? Few authors, researchers, or managers have informed the public about the extent and purpose of polar bear hunting, and it is about time we look at the details of what hunted polar bears have endured and currently face. The facts will most likely surprise you!

The Polar Bears & Humans book has six chapters as described below. The main purpose of these chapters is to publish information about polar bear management and hunting statistics that until now have been hidden or difficult to access. The book can be ordered at the bottom of this page.

The making of this book was funded by the great support from 11 Main Partners and 13 Private Partners. Thanks a lot for the support!