POLAR BEAR SCARE

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"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.[200][201]

"Some estimates of the global population are around 5,000 to 10,000 in the early 1970s;[202] other estimates were 20,000 to 40,000 during the 1980s.[48][62]

"Current estimates put the global population at between 20,000 and 25,000[39] or 22,000 and 31,000.[2]

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"There are several reasons for the apparent discordance between past and projected population trends: estimates from the 1950s and 1960s were based on stories from explorers and hunters rather than on scientific surveys.[203][204][205][206] 

"Second, controls of harvesting were introduced that allowed this previously overhunted species to recover.[203] 

"Third, the recent effects of climate change have affected sea ice abundance in different areas to varying degrees.[203]

"Debate over the listing of the polar bear under endangered species legislation has put conservation groups and Canada's Inuit at opposing positions;[43] the Nunavut government and many northern residents have condemned the U.S. initiative to list the polar bear under the Endangered Species Act.[207][208] 

"Many Inuit believe the polar bear population is increasing, and restrictions on commercial sport-hunting are likely to lead to a loss of income to their communities.[43][209]"