World Bear Day

World bear day was set aside to celebrate and raise awareness on the fascinating creatures. World bear day is celebrated every year on the 23rd of March to honor the existence of bears, spread awareness and encourage action to protect nature's remaining bears in the wild. This day is meant to bring inspiration to people on the importance of bears, dangers surrounding the lifespan of bears and possible ways humans can to help preserve bears. World bear day evolved to encompass a wide range of issues that are important for people to know about bears such as species that are in dangers, the bear species (the number of species), and the effects of climate change on bears.

Background of World Bear Day

World bear day traces its roots back in 1992, it was established on the 23rd of March. World bear day was established by a group of conservationists whose main aim was raising awareness and appreciation for the eight bear species in the world. It started small and as years passed it gained global recognition hence it’s now a global event that is observed in different countries.

More about Bears

A bear according to the British English dictionary, is a large omnivorous mammal related to the dog and Raccoon, having shaggy hair, a very small tail and flat feet. Every continent has a bear that is native to its lands. Bears usually survive for at least 25 years in the wild, however when kept in captivity their lifespan may last up to 50 years! Despite being big, bears are super, super fast they may run up to 40 miles per hour. A bear can spent up to hundred days or more than 3 months without working up after hibernation. Bears have exceptional senses, they have a sense of smell that is seven times stronger than other predators which help them locate food, detect danger and finding mates. Bears are among few mammals that can stand and. Walk on two legs, a skill that is essential when looking for food or watching out for predators. There are eight species of bears which are polar bear, brown bear, American black bear, Asiatic black bear, sun bear, sloth bear, giant panda and Andean bear.

Of the eight species the most well-known species are black bear, brown bear, panda and polar bear. Unfortunately habitat destruction, climate change, poaching and other human activities are threatening many bear populations. Of the 8 species, 6 are on the endangered list and action is needed. We should take world bear day as an opportunity to advocate for bears and providing solutions to problems they are facing. In a statement Jill Robinson of Animals Asia Foundation believes we can still save bears, "The world's remaining bears are under threat, but we still have a chance to save them. World bear day is an opportunity to spread hope and take action"(Jill Robinson)

Importance of Bears

·         Bears play a crucial role in many ecosystems. They help regulate populations of other animals and maintain balance of nature. This is very important so as to balance nature so that there may not be too many animals of one specie thereby showing the critical role played by bears in regulating nature.

·         In many societies bears are a symbol of resilience, strength and wisdom thereby playing a cultural and spiritual role which is essential in people's lives.

·         Bears are very fascinating and attractive animals and they are a major draw of ecotourism and they bring a lot of money in revenue.

·         Bears are beneficial for the environment, they help disperse seeds and in fertilizing the soil.

Threats Facing Bears World Wide

·         Climate change - melting sea ice reduces the ability of the polar bear to hunt seal. It also forces the brown bears to higher altitudes like landscape to warm up.

·         Poaching - This is mainly done in Asia where bears are poached for traditional medicines. Bear bile contain a substance that is used to cure live conditions the substance is called ursodeoxycholic acid.

·         Habitat loss - Bears are experiencing habitat loss due to deforestation and human development. Thereby making it difficult for them to find food and shelter which leads to vulnerability to vultures and poachers.

·         Low breeding rates - Most bear species reproduce slowly. They normally have 1 -3 curbs every 2-5 years. Thereby making it hard for its population to recover once they start declining.

Ways of Celebrating World Bear Day and Activities ties To Do on the Day

·         Raise awareness on the knowledge you have on bears, make use of social media and put #tags.

·         Write articles, poems and share with your community about bears, talk about the role of humans in preserving bears.

·         Create an event in commemoration of the day and invite people from wildlife organizations, so that they may educate you on bears, you can also do a march with pictures of bears as a way of raising awareness and spreading knowledge

·         Join an event in your community in commemoration of this day and learn more about bears.

Importance of World Bear Day

·         World bear day is important as it is a day where people get the time to learn more about the fascinating creature and learn on ways they can collaborate to make sure they are comfortable.

·         This day is important as people get the time to reflect on the importance of bears, raise awareness on the need to preserve bears.

·         The day is important so that we may honor these creatures, celebrate them and the role they play on the ecosystem even on the economy as they are drivers to ecotourism.

About the Author: Anesu Samantha Chatikobo is a Social work student at UZ, she is very passionate about environmental issues, and she is a human rights activist and a green blogger at the Earth Needs Love. Anesu has been nominated for the women changing the World awards 2024 and she is a woman empowerment activist