Scientists have found that polar bears in the Svalbard islands of Norway are fatter and healthier than before, even though sea ice in the region has steadily declined since the early 1990s. Polar bears depend on sea ice to hunt seals, their main food source. Surprisingly, researchers weighed and measured 770 adult polar bears from 1992 to 2019 and found the bears had grown significantly fatter. They believe Svalbard bears have adapted by eating more land animals like reindeer and walruses. Lead researcher Dr Jon Aars of the Norwegian Polar Institute said, "The fatter a bear is the better it is," and added, "I would have expected to see a decline in body condition when the loss of sea ice has been so profound." The rise in walruses, which are now protected and increasing in numbers, provides a new source of fatty food. Dr Aars also explained that with less sea ice, seals gather in smaller areas, making hunting easier for bears. However, researchers warn this advantage may be temporary. As ice continues to melt, bears will have to travel farther to hunt, which uses more energy and harms their fat reserves. Polar Bears International notes that hunting in Svalbard was heavy until protections began in the 1970s. This population recovery, along with more walruses and reindeer, likely helped polar bears improve in health. Dr John Whiteman from Polar Bears International said, "The results were positive in the short term," but added, "body condition is only one piece of the puzzle. More ice-free days reduce survival in cubs and older bears." Across the Arctic, effects vary. In Canada's Western Hudson Bay, polar bear numbers have dropped due to warming temperatures. Whiteman emphasized, "Ice loss ultimately means bear declines," but short-term effects depend on the region. He warned, "If ice loss continues unchecked, we know the bears will eventually disappear."