Why is February 27 International Polar Bear Day?

Every year on February 27, the world turns its attention to the "King of the Arctic" for International Polar Bear Day. But have you ever wondered why this specific date was chosen?

It isn’t just a random spot on the calendar. This date was strategically selected by Polar Bears International (PBI), the non-profit that founded the event in 2011, to align with a critical biological milestone: denning season.

1. Protecting Moms and Cubs
February 27 falls during the period when mother polar bears and their newborn cubs are most vulnerable. Deep beneath the Arctic snow, moms and their tiny, one-pound cubs are snug in their dens.
The late-February date marks a turning point: it’s the time when many families are either still sheltered or just beginning to emerge into the harsh outside world. Because cub survival is the biggest factor in the species' long-term success, highlighting this "denning" period reminds us why protecting their habitat is so urgent.

2. A Call to Climate Action
While the date celebrates the bears, its primary goal is to spark action against climate change. Polar bears depend on sea ice to hunt seals, and as the Arctic warms, that ice is vanishing.
The "Thermostat Challenge": Many people celebrate by turning down their thermostats or reducing energy use to lower their carbon footprint.
Raising Awareness: Since its inception, the day has become a global platform for zoos, scientists, and conservationists to share research on how sea ice loss impacts these iconic predators.

How You Can Participate
You don’t have to be in the Arctic to make a difference! This February 27, you can:
- Lower your energy consumption to help "Save Our Sea Ice."
- Donate to organizations like Polar Bears International to fund den-detection research.
- Share the story of the vulnerable cubs currently tucked away in the snow.

By choosing a date rooted in the bears' natural life cycle, International Polar Bear Day reminds us that their future—and the survival of the next generation of cubs—is firmly in our hands.

The team at the Kool Bag Co. are outdoor and nature lovers and it's no accident that our logo represents these majestic animals of the North.