Is the polar bear endangered, or just conveniently charismatic?

"Environmental groups are intensely aware of the power charismatic species have to both capture the imagination of the public and serve as levers to emplace environmental restrictions and regulations. Polar bears are the latest example of the phenomenon. Environmental groups have called for their listing as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, and in late April, a federal judge ordered the Bush administration to make a final listing decision for the polar bear by May 15, 2008. Does the evidence warrant the designation?"