In 2006, the first wild “grolar bear” was shot by an American wild game hunter in Canada. The “grolar bear” is a hybrid of a grizzly and polar bear, and such a bizarre cross-breed is alarming.

“It’s something we’ve all known was theoretically possible because their habitats overlap a little bit and their breeding seasons overlap a little bit,” said Ian Stirling, a biologist at the Canadian Wildlife Service in Edmonton according to a May 2006 BBC News article.

Polar Bears International, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of polar bears, points out that these seemingly friendly bears are actually decendants of grizzlies, making it possible for them to mate.

So why hadn’t the “grolar bear” been discovered sooner? Has cross-breeding simply been limited?

“This has most likely happened from time to time. However, it may be more common now because global warming has caused the grizzlies to move further north into more polar bear territory,” said Dr. Lynn Rogers, the director of the North American Bear Center.

Polar Bears International also notes that polar bears are now on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, which consists of endangered species. The organization insists climate change is the main threat for polar bears. The grizzly bear is not nearly as threatened, but is adapting to the alteration in its habitat.

“There have been a number of documented species moving northward due to various causes including habitat destruction and climate change,” said Dr. David Goldblum, an NIU professor with emphasis in Biogeography and environmental change.

In the wild, animals have two basic functions and one purpose: eat and reproduce to carry on their species. The bears are adapting their lifestyles and ordinary habits to survive the climate change. We humans should be able to as well. Bears can’t tell why they’re cross-breeding, but people should acknowledge this as a sign of possible global environmental change.

So, as cool or extraordinary as you and I think this mix of two of the fiercest predators is, let us be reminded of why strange events like this are taking place. Animal behavior, record flooding and unusual temperatures are oddities people need to see as warnings.

The accidental “grolar bear” is another sign of the times showing us we need to consider the environmental ramifications of our actions.