Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 8
8. Special Significance of the Species
The polar bear is the only terrestrial carnivore to occupy the highest trophic level of a marine ecosystem. The species has evolved unique adaptations to hunt seals from a sea-ice platform. Polar bears are of great cultural significance to the Canadian people, and are also important spiritually and economically to northern native peoples. As a symbol of the pristine Arctic environment, polar bears are seen throughout the world as a barometer of important environmental issues, especially climate change and pollution. Canada has national and international responsibilities with respect to the study, management, and protection of polar bears. This obligation is particularly important to our nation because we collectively manage 55–65% of the world’s polar bears.