[xoxoxoBruce]

Wrangal is a wildlife sanctuary where civilian natives have been moved off the island, and only a few Russian scientists/technicians are allowed to visit. Even they aren't allowed weapons other than pepper spray and tasers. So the huge increase in bears on Wrangel shouldn't be construed as representative of the Arctic bear health.

Another startling prediction I read in the last year is the change in sea ice and reduction in arctic ocean outflow of cold water will kill the Gulf stream, causing the British Isles and parts of western Europe to become a lot colder.

I always suspect this sort of thing is hyperbole by the reporter to pump a headline from a scientific report. But it certainly sticks in my subconscious even though it won't affect me.