Cover illustration drawn for [Polar Lights](https://polarlightszine.itch.io) (2023 January) The polar bear (_Ursus maritimus_) is a powerful predator of the Arctic Circle, the largest extant bear species, as well as the largest extant land carnivore. Polar bears face dramatic changes to their icy hunting grounds due to warming oceans, which threaten their lifestyle and push them further inland. Though difficult to monitor, they're considered an indicator of Arctic ecosystem health, and remain a focus of research groups concentrated on Arctic preservation. This piece is on Inprnt: www.inprnt.com/gallery/vireosy/northern-lights