Polar bears are also more susceptible to viruses than other bears, said John Whiteman, chief researcher at Polar Bears International and a professor at Old Dominion University in Virginia. As they evolved for the Arctic, they lost much of their genetic “library” of possible pathogens and ways to resist them.

During their isolation, they have been busy collecting data and hosting live streams for classrooms around the world. They worked with many organizations including Polar Bears International to help spread the word.

PBI is monitoring polar bears across the Arctic, in part to determine the effects of climate change on animal behavior and physical condition, as well as population trends. One program has tracked polar bears fitted with GPS ear tags or collars that transmit locations to researchers to gain insight into the animals’ movements. York says, “Our understanding of polar bear biology, ecology and behavior is critical to long-term conservation and may aid on-the-ground efforts such as human-bear conflict management.”