Filmmakers Caught Polar Bears Eating Sperm Whale Carcass in Norway

Polars bears are some of the most at risk animal species on Earth in relation to the growing threat posed by the climate crisis.

In an unexpected discovery, filmmakers captured polars bears feasting on the sperm whale carcass in Norway, specifically in the country's Svalbard archipelago.

In particular, the filmmakers reportedly captured the images and footage in a remote part of the Arctic Circle, where other animal species are also struggling for survival from the ongoing crisis.

The unprecedented discovery adds to the scientific evidence that polar bears are already changing their natural habitats and their hunting tactics.

As floating sea ice have diminished in polar regions, polar bears rely on to catch seals as one of their main diet in the Arctic menu.

Whale Carcass Feasting

The said images and footage were part of the filming of the polar bears under a featurette called "Polar Bear" (2022) by Disneynature, an independent film studio.

Below is the official trailer of the short film, which is currently available on Disney+.

Jeff Wilson, one of the film's directors, told the New Scientist that the discovery highlights the luck in Svalbard, adding that there are an abundance of food that makes the polar bears less competitive and more playful.

In spite of the unprecedented yet remarkable discovery of the Disney film crew, the notion that polar bears are still at risk remains unchanged.

With this, scientists and conservationists are on the clock to protect the animals.

Climate Crisis Threat

According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), polars bears (Ursus Maritimus) as a species are already under threat as global warming brought by the ongoing climate crisis is evident in the Arctic polar region, shown by the melting ice sheets and glaciers seen in the past several decades.

While the ice bears can travel at long distance and adapt to climate change, the organization claimed it is not for long until they can survive unless drastic measures, including reducing greenhouse gas emission, are implemented to reverse the heating of the planet.

The WWF also cited previous research that the Arctic could be nearly an ice-free region every summertime before the middle of the 21st century.

Natural Habitat Change

In relation to the bizarre whale carcass feasting, polar bears are increasingly showing adaptive behaviors when it comes to adjusting to the rising temperatures and changing landscape caused by climate change and global warming.

In a new paper published in the journal Science on Thursday, June 16, scientists discovered the world's 20th polar bear subpopulation that were living in an isolated and unusual natural habitat in Southeast Greenland.

With the absence of the floating sea ice where they used to hunt, the Greenland habitat has been perceived to be almost impossible for the bears to live in.

However, previous theories were proven to be the other way around.

The study described the polar bear group as a "secret subpopulation" since they remain hidden from plain sight for hundreds of years.

Furthermore, the discovery also highlights that some polar bears are starting to adjust from the disappearing sea ice triggered by climate change.