Alaska polar bears losing fur

Three of four bears inspected Thursday near Kaktovik showed the symptoms as well.
Scientists have been collecting blood and tissue samples from the afflicted bears, but they do not know the cause or the significance of the outbreak, a report said.
“Our data set suggests that this is unusual but not unprecedented,” DeGange said.
Ten of 48 bears checked by the team in 1998-99 had a similar condition, he said. The USGS has sent polar bear research teams to the area since 1984.
The teams track, sedate and examine the bears to help determine their health and habits.This year they saw their first bear with hair loss on March 21.
The team will wind up this year’s operations in May when the sea ice becomes too treacherous for safe travel.