Fur loss, lesions reported in Beaufort Sea polar bears

Research scientists working for the U.S. Geological Survey report that some Alaska polar bears are losing their fur.

A press release issued Friday said that in the past two weeks, nine bears had been observed with alopecia -- loss of fur -- and other skin lesions in the southern Beaufort Sea region near Barrow.

The scientists have been collecting blood and tissue samples from the afflicted bears but do not know the cause or the significance of the outbreak.

They are particularly trying to determine whether there is a connection between the conditions observed in the bears with an outbreak of similar symptoms in seals and walruses last year.

http://www.adn.com/2012/04/06/2410648/barrow-bears-losing-their-hair.html


Seems it's becoming a larger problem.