Who is the famous Gordo Alberto, the largest polar bear in the world who has gone viral again (and should make us reflect)

The images of a polar bear of extraordinary dimensions, renamed “Gordo Alberto”, have recently taken over social media, arousing admiration and concern. Photographed near Kaktovik, IN Alaskaby Edward Boudreau, this colossal specimen may represent one of the largest polar bears ever documented.

With an estimated weight between 600 and 700 kilogramsfar exceeds the average of 450 kilograms typical of its species. But why is “Gordo Alberto” so out of weight? Unfortunately his case shows the influence of human activity on the diet of polar bears.

In the coastal areas of Alaska, in fact, the remains of locally hunted whales are often found left as a food resource for bears. This access to a highly caloric food source could explain Gordo Alberto’s exceptional size. However, it is not just a biological curiosity: the story raises questions about the future of polar bears and the impact of human activities on Arctic ecosystems.

Polar bears are increasingly threatened

Polar bears are an iconic species but seriously threatened. The melting of ice, accelerated by climate change, is drastically reducing their natural habitat. Seals, the bears’ main food source, they are increasingly difficult to hunt due to decreasing sea ice, forcing bears to look for alternatives. Recent studies estimate that if global warming is not curbed, the global population of polar bears, currently estimated at around 26,000 individuals, could disappear by the end of the century.

The situation is already critical in some areas. In the Beaufort Sea, Alaska, the polar bear population is decreased by approximately 25-30% in recent years. Similarly, in Hudson Bay, Canada, there has been a decline of almost 33% since 1987. These data reflect the devastating impact of climate change and the species’ difficulties in adapting.

Gordo Alberto represents a reminder of challenges that polar bears face. His images, in addition to having gone viral, should serve as an urgent call to protect the Arctic environment and its vulnerable species, reminding us that the survival of these extraordinary animals depends on our actions.