Smithsonian.com

Due to human selfishness other animals are also coming close to extinction. Plastic polution in the bodies of water is contributing to the death of sea turtles and seagulls mistaking plastic trash for food. There is poaching of elephants in Africa for their tusks. Sharks are getting killed due to the consumption of the fins only. Tigers are gettting killed for their anatomy parts for so called Chinese medicinal reasons. We humans are creating pesticides,insecticides, and other chemicals that are ending up in the rivers, streams, and oceans. Plants absorb the water, and animals are eithing drinking the water or eating plants that have absorbed the chemicals. We have been having an increase of animals and humans with mutations. They include extra body parts and or extra heads.

I agree with Charles' comment: "A magnificent animal on the brink of extinction due to man." This photo is my favorite because (with global warming destroying the habitat of these beautiful bears), we soon will be unable to see or take photos of them (and many other Arctic and Antarctic animals like penguins and whales!) So, we need to see them now, and realize that we need to take action to save them from "extinction due to man." So here, I'm also echoing Steve's message "In a few years from now polar bears may vanish from our sight." Maybe, if enough of us adopt this perspective, we can change our human ways and "save the bears?" Let's try...!

I was with the photographer at the time ... luck did not have a lot to do with this, but patience, preparation and enduring pretty unpleasant (for humans) weather did.

And I can guarantee she realises all too well the message. This was a stranded bear, scavenging scraps to stay alive until the ice returns.

I like this photo because of the natural texturing and muting effect the snow provides to the barren rockscape while the lithe, sure-footed bear is perfectly captured in full stride.

It's an honest photo diminished by comments that are dishonest about the endangerment of polar bears. I hope the Smithsonian will see fit to print my comment to balance those several others of contrary mind. Junk science is an oxymoronic term, so I will just state the facts, that world polar bear population is not in decline and those who are intellectually curious and fair minded can learn about shifts in the polar bears' various population centers and the causes for same with a simple web search. Let's not heap political spoilage on good art.

On the contrary, I suspect that the photographer may have been quite aware of the message that was being conveyed in her photograph.... although the title suggests she may not have been... I think the title is the weakest part of this photo... as it's quite obvious what it is... better to have given it a title that was less obvious.

I love this photo. It shows the blessing of the "right light." The photographer is either very lucky or very patient!

Blurring. Sullen. Grave. Almost as if fading from existence...

I love this picture. I'd like to know the story behind it...why were you there...how many shots did you take... I think a photo like this says so much more than it shows.

A magnificent animal on the brink of extinction due to man.

I picked this photo not because it was the best from a technical aspect but because of the documentary aspect. In a few years from now polar bears may vanish from our sight. This photo conveys that message in a deep manner that I am sure the photographer didn't realize at the time of pressing the button.

What a beautiful statment...One lone life