Polar Bears Sickened by Mystery Disease
Symptoms also seen in seals, walruses
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Polar bears in Alaska are exhibiting symptoms of a mystery disease that has already killed seals and walruses in the area. Scientists noted the symptoms, including hair loss and oozing sores, in 12 different bears along the Beaufort Sea coastline, including nine near Barrow and three near Kaktovik. At least 60 seals and several walruses have died, although scientists are not aware of any bear deaths. The seals and walruses showed signs of labored breathing and lethargy, though the bears appear to be otherwise healthy.
Read more at Reuters
