With the evidence mounting of rapid sea ice melting the United States has decided to list Polar Bears as a Threatened Species under the Endangered Species Act, and to work to investigate ways to assist the threatened mammal with habitat preservation.

United States Decides To List Large Arctic Mammal Despite Protests

Washington, D.C.- With the evidence mounting of rapid sea ice melting the United States has decided to list Polar Bears as a Threatened Species under the Endangered Species Act, and to work to investigate ways to assist the threatened mammal with habitat preservation.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior made the announcement on Wednesday, and this is the first time a U.S. species has been given protection partly from the effects of global warming.

Secretary Dirk Kempthorne announced the decision partly on strong evidence that global permanent Sea Ice pack areas, where the Polar Bears live and reside, are shrinking rapidly.

The decision by the United States will have long term ramifications, including ramifications in neighboring Canada, the action will block incoming bear skins and body parts from hunts sponsored by Canadian outfitters.

U.S. Trophy hunters will no longer be allowed to bring back bear trophies legally into the United States.

The action also raises the stakes on Canadian government in Ottawa to consider possible similar Canadian protection. Canada has polar bears listed as a species of “Special Concern,” its lowest level of protection, which requires no practical intervention or actions.