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As Arctic sea ice thins and retreats, increasing numbers of polar bears are spending longer periods in the summer open-water season resting along Arctic coastlines.
Polar bear’s powerful sense of smell attracts them to human waste, stored food, dog teams, and animal carcasses—bringing them into greater conflict with Arctic people.
As powerful predators, polar bears pose a major risk to human life and property. Throughout the polar bear’s range, attacks on humans and property continue to rise. In recent years, more than 20 direct attacks on humans have been reported within the polar bear’s range.
WWF is helping communities live safely alongside the Arctic’s top predator.
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How WWF works with communities and polar bears
Food storage and waste management
We work with communities to improve waste management, safely store food for people and dogs, and to remove animal carcasses from towns
Polar bear patrols
We fund training and salaries for local people who deter polar bears from villages and safeguard communities.
Sharing knowledge across the Arctic
We organize workshops and exchange visits between Arctic communities facing polar bear conflict.
Providing educational opportunities
We share information with local communities, scientists and commercial sectors (tourism, mineral extraction) on preventing conflicts and dealing with polar bears.
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