"Polar Bear Fatality Marks H5N1 Bird Flu's Global Reach"

A polar bear in Alaska has died from the H5N1 bird flu virus, marking the first known case in the species. The bear was found dead in December near Utquiagvik after scavenging on infected bird carcasses. The H5N1 outbreak, which began in 2021, has affected wildlife in over 80 countries, leading to millions of wild bird deaths and also impacting other animals such as bears, eagles, and seals. The spread of the virus to remote areas and vulnerable species like polar bears, which are already at risk due to climate change, raises concerns about potential ecological disasters.