Hybrid Bears on the Move

Rating: ****

Author: Jeremy Berlin

Over the past 5 years, two hunters have shot and killed 2 strange looking bears in the Canadian Arctic, both with white fur and brown patches. The species of this odd looking bear was unknown until it was confirmed by recent DNA testing. The studies proved that Polar and Grizzly bears have been mating. Scientists believe it is mostly climate change that is resulting in the interbreeding of these 2 bears. Because of lots of melting ice in the Canadian Arctic, it is believed that 22 other Arctic species are at risk of interbreeding (hybridization) as well. The "pizzlie" lacks many vital arctic traits that polar bears have. Also, it puts these 2 bear species at an even higher risk of becoming extinct.

I found this article very interesting, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested on hybridization in animals, or arctic species.

Hybrid Bears on the Move, Jeremy Berlin. National Geographic, June 2011. Text.