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In the United States alone there are 496 animal species that are considered endangered. Whether due to ignorance concerning how to protect these animals or out of a cold-hearted desire to make money off their dead skins, people are creating an environment in which the world’s rarest and most beautiful animals are struggling to survive. Today, the only hope for innocent wildlife comes from the few caring individuals who spend their lives trying to protect endangered species. And their newest ally? GPS tracking.

While not technically endangered, polar bears are considered to be a threatened species. Their stunning white fur makes them targets for greedy poachers, and the ever-increasing effects of pollution can create toxic ocean waters for these beautiful creatures. However, the real threat to polar bears is the rapid loss of polar ice, which makes up their habitat. The decreasing amounts of floating ice make it difficult for bears to find a place to rest as they swim through frigid arctic waters.

Recently the Los Angeles Times chronicled an incredible event which showcased the unparalleled benefits of GPS technology in providing us with information about endangered species. An Alaskan polar bear sporting a GPS tracker swam an impressive 426 miles across arctic waters – in search of a piece of ice to rest upon. After 9 days of athletic swimming through freezing waters, the loss of 100 pounds and her yearling cub, the mother bear finally reached her destination.

Scientists at the University of Wyoming, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had been working jointly to monitor the position of several Alaskan polar bears using tracking devices. They only discovered the ordeal that this mother bear experienced after reviewing her GPS coordinates. You can imagine their amazement to discover that she had swam more than 400 miles!

GPS tracking makes it possible for scientists and wildlife protection experts to protect endangered species in a way that has been previously unprecedented. By tracking the location of threatened animals, they are able to head off dangerous situations, removing the endangered animals from harm as needed. By protecting these priceless animals they are able to preserve an aspect of our world that can never be replaced if lost. Today, GPS technology plays a huge role in making the dream of saving our world’s animals a reality.