BBC, NPR, etc: Grizzlies and Polar bears. Again.
Way back in 2006 several outlets reported that grizzly bears were migrating into polar bear territory, and even producing hybrids, one of which promptly got turned into a trophy by an American sportsman with a rifle (see one sample story from the Canadian Press, and ksjtracker’s earlier post). A bit before that the general idea made it into a publication from the National Wildlife Federation Magazine in 2006, as seen in the remarkable pic. It goes with a story by Laura Tangley (Correction – she edited it. It was written by Ed Struzik) on a subpopulation, barren ground grizzlies, known to venture on to the ice. This story reports the intermingling has been known at least as far back as 1991.
It is still happening, and new burst of reporting heralds this fact as though it’s a new fact. It’s been nearly four years. Few readers will remember the previous reports. So fair game.
The fresh version stems from a report by scientists at the City University of New York and American Museum of Natural History who say the brown bear sightings are increasing, especially in Manitoba in areas thought to be exclusive to polar bears.
Stories:
- Globe and Mail – Patrick White: Grizzly sightings in polar bear territory inspire talk of ultimate ursine fight ; Oh not another remake of Godzilla vs. Mothra, of Alien versus Predator, of the Mummy versus Frankenstein’s Monster? Oh yes. The teenage mind never dies (pre-teen, maybe, as in “Who’d win, Dad, if …??).
- BBC News – Doreen Walton: Grizzlies encroach on polar bear territory ;
- NPR – Science Friday (upcoming show) Ira Flatow : Grizzly Bears Moving Into New Territory ;
- Discovery News – Jennifer Viegas: Grizzly Bears Enter Polar Bear Territory ; Pretty good point – what to do if the two species do get into mortal combat. Both are protected. With which should authorities side..if either?
Grist for the Mill: AMNH Press Release via EurekAlert!.
- Charlie Petit
