Scientists from the U.S. and Canada say Arctic warming is reducing the food supply for polar bears.The animals are forced to look for food at waste sites.That is causing problems for both the bears and humans.A report on the scientists’ findings recently appeared in the publication Oryx.Polar bears normally hunt seals.But a warming climate is reducing the amount of sea ice.The bears need sea ice in order to move around and find seals.With the usual food running low, the bears are coming off the ice and onto land.They get closer to areas where humans place waste, including bones from whale hunts and used food packages.The bears often end up eating the food packaging when trying to get to the food inside.Since their bodies cannot break down the material, the bears can develop blockages that can result in sickness and even death.In addition, people living close to the area where waste is collected sometimes shoot the bears because they fear the animals might hurt people.
