The main enemy of the polar bear is man. Polar bears are hunted for food by Inuit people and by hunters wanting their fur for rugs and fur coats. Today, there are many laws controlling the hunting of these bears.

Another enemy of the polar bear is pollution. Chemicals from automobiles, and factories further south of the Arctic have been found in the fat of polar bears. These chemicals have killed some bears. Most of the time though, pollution prevents females from having cubs.

The newest enemy of the polar bear is a warming climate. Ice is disappearing from the Arctic. This means fewer seals for the polar bear to eat.