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Help Stop Trade in Polar Bear Parts!

Rodger Schlickjeisen, Defenders of Wildlife

From: Rodger Schlickeisen, Defenders of Wildlife

To: bellringer@fourwinds10.com

Sent: Thursday, September 03, 2009 11:51 AM

Subject: Help Stop Trade in Polar Bear Parts!

With 2009 sea ice well below average, polar bear homes are literally melting away. It’s so bad that these amazing animals could even disappear from the U.S. by mid-century.

But in some countries, collectors can still buy polar bear skin rugs, claws, skulls and other parts of these animals -- even as these beloved bears struggle for survival in a warming world.

The U.S. can strengthen protections for polar bears under international law by proposing to end commercial trade in polar bear products. But officials need to hear from you.

Take action now: Urge the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to propose an international ban on the trade of polar bear products.

The U.S. government is considering offering a proposal for increased protections for polar bears through the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES) -- a landmark international agreement that protects vanishing wildlife by regulating trade.

As polar bears struggle to survive in a warming world, they’re already facing threats from oil drilling, poaching and pollution. Ending international trade in polar bear parts will help save hundreds of these bears each year -- and give polar bears a fighting chance at a lasting future.

Speak out for these arctic icons -- write to the Fish & Wildlife Service today and urge them to fight for strengthened international protections for polar bears.

Please take action today -- the deadline for comments is Friday, September 11th.

Together, we can make a difference for our polar bears.