THIS weekend sees animal lovers celebrate their favourite white giants as International Polar Bear Day arrives.

On Sunday, February 27, charities like Polar Bears International raise money to help protect the animals, with the population of polar bears around the world rapidly decreasing due to climate change.

Polar Bears International created the day to coincide with the time when polar bear moms and cubs are snug in their dens. As part of the celebration, the charity focuses on the need to protect denning families across the Arctic.

Denning is the most vulnerable time in a polar bear’s life. And in a warming Arctic, where polar bears already face enormous challenges, the survival of every single cub is critically important.

The global effect of climate change is affecting the animals not just situated in the Arctic but in other habitats around the world.

A study by Ecological Applications, analysed data on polar bears in northeast Alaska and the Northwest Territories and documented a 40 percent population loss between 2001-2010 from 1,500 to 900 bears.

Speaking at the time, Dr Pete Ewins, WWF’s Senior Species Officer in Canada said: “This is a clear warning sign of the impact a warming Arctic has on ice-dependent species like the polar bear.

“Given this subpopulation is at the edge of the range, it’s no surprise to see this happening so soon.”

Despite the sad update, many people continue to show their love for the animal.

One event that features in today’s section is the 2012 New Year’s Eve Dip at Golden Sands, Whitehaven.

The event has been running for 24 years and saw one of its biggest turnouts just before the pandemic broke out in 2020, where 150 people braved the winter chill to say goodbye to 2019.

Ten years ago, some participants took it upon themselves to add an incentive to the dip, by taking a stuffed polar bear into the Irish Sea with them. Thankfully, the bear was rescued and brought back ashore.

Today’s nostalgia focuses on times when north Cumbria has celebrated the polar bear, including a visit from Bjorn during the Carlisle Fringe in 2016. Keep an eye out for anyone you recognise.