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
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