Dead walruses, Low Arctic Sea Ice Level Reported

The Arctic has had its lowest summer ice level since 1979. On the same day this figure was measured, reports of dead sea walruses on the shore of the Chukchi Sea, located on the northwest coast of Alaska. Most of the walruses reported were newborn calves or yearlings. A spokesman from the U.S Fish and Wildlife says that it is too early to find the cause of these deaths. Last week about 3500 dead walruses were reported at a feeding ground on the Icy Cape. Because of the decrease of ice, walruses have been forced to land, instead of riding ice. At the University of Colorado, the National Snow and Ice Data Center says that the ice will be reforming through winter. In 2007, Russian biologists discovered some 3,000 to 4,000 out of a population of 200,000 died on the Russian side of the Chukchi Sea. Many environmental groups call for measures of a decrease of emissions to the ozone layer. This event proves that global warming is causing the Arctic to melt. This also causes major changes in wildlife behavior.

I really liked this article. It provides the reader with a current example of global warming in the Arctic. The wildlife of the Arctic is a vital part of the world's ecosystems. I was interested to see what the cause of the walruses deaths were. This summer the camp I was working with took a trip to the Virginia Aquarium. All the kids were so excited when they saw the seals at the front. It made me think just how endangered these beautiful creatures are. I would like learn more about the wildlife in the Arctic and how to improve their conditions and behavioral habits.
"Dead Walruses, Low Arctic Sea Ice Level Reported". 17 September 2009. MSNBC Online. 19 September 2009. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32902977/ns/us_news-environment/.
Dead walruses, low Arctic sea ice level reported