Much higher temperatures across the Arctic due to global warming appear to be causing polar bears to suffer damage to their paws from ice buildups and their effects. University of Washington scientists report they found cuts, hair loss, ice buildup and skin sores in two East Greenland polar bear populations. They said two bears had ice blocks up to 1 foot in diameter stuck to their pads, which caused bleeding cuts and made it difficult for the animals to walk. More frequent freeze-thaw cycles lead to ice buildup on the bears’ paws. <br>