"One government biologist discovered the best way he could help save polar bears was to quit his job."

"Several years ago, the polar bear was under consideration for placement on the endangered species list. Biologist Steve Amstrup's mission was to lead a group of scientists in assessing the outlook for the great white bear.

Amstrup headed the government's polar bear research for many years, but the group's dire assessment surprised even him."

Elizabeth Shogren reports for NPR's Weekend Edition December 28, 2013. [2]