Two polar bears in the distance. [Photo Credit: Steve Hillebrand, USFWS]

Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne announced on May 14, 2008 that he is accepting the recommendation of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dale Hall to list the polar bear as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  The listing is based on the best available science, which shows that loss of sea ice threatens and will likely continue to threaten polar bear habitat.  This loss of habitat puts polar bears at risk of becoming endangered in the foreseeable future, the standard established by the ESA for designating a threatened species.

In making the announcement, Kempthorne said, “I am also announcing that this listing decision will be accompanied by administrative guidance and a rule that defines the scope of impact my decision will have, in order to protect the polar bear while limiting the unintended harm to the society and economy of the United States.” 

Kempthorne further stated, “While the legal standards under the ESA compel me to list the polar bear as threatened, I want to make clear that this listing will not stop global climate change or prevent any sea ice from melting.  Any real solution requires action by all major economies for it to be effective.  That is why I am taking administrative and regulatory action to make certain the ESA isn’t abused to make global warming policies.” more en Español

Polar bear female and cubs. [Photo Credit: Steven Amstrup, USGS]

• Final Rule
• Interim Final 4 (d) Rule
• Secretary Kempthorne's Remarks
• Sea Ice Images
• U.S. - Canada MOU
• Guidance from USGS Director Mark Myers
• Guidance from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dale Hall
• Fact Sheet
• Frequently Asked Questions (Coming Soon)
• Timeline of Polar Bear Actions
• ADDITIONAL LINKS
  • Fish and Wildlife Service Polar Bear Information Website
  • U.S. Geological Survey Polar Bear Website

Press Releases:

05/14/2008	Secretary Kempthorne Announces Decision to Protect Polar Bears under Endangered Species Act en Español
09/24/2007	U.S./Russia Polar Bear Treaty Enacted
09/07/2007	Future Retreat of Arctic Sea Ice Will Lower Polar Bear Populations and Limit Their Distribution
09/07/2007	Fish and Wildlife Service Statement on Results of USGS Polar Bear Research
07/12/2007	USGS Finds Polar Bear Denning Shifting From Sea Ice to Coastal Habitats in Northern Alaska
07/09/2007	Polar Bear Range States Conference Termed a Productive International Exchange
06/25/2007	Polar Bear Range States Meet to Exchange Information
12/27/2006	Interior Secretary Kempthorne Announces Proposal to List Polar Bears as Threatened Under Endangered Species Act  en Español

Additional Documents and Information:

• Future Retreat of Arctic Sea Ice Will Lower Polar Bear Populations and Limit Their Distribution
  USGS Administrative Reports and Executive Summary of the Findings

• USFWS Polar Bear Conservation Issues Web Page
• Polar Bear Proposed Rule
• Twelve Month Finding and Proposed Rule
• Polar Bear Fact Sheet
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Endangered Species Act Petition Process Fact Sheet

Polar bear resting, yet alert. [Photo Credit: Susanne Miller,USFWS]